How To Fix BRAIN_DEV654 - Total number of structure element combinations exceeds allowed limit

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BRAIN_DEV - BRAIN messages (for use by development)

• Message number: 654

• Message text: Total number of structure element combinations exceeds allowed limit

What causes this issue?

The query is too complex to be processed. The allowed limits are:
Each structure used should have less than &V1& elements.
In cases where one of the structures has &V1& or more elements, the
combined (multiplied) number of cells must not exceed &V2&.

System Response

Generation of the query is canceled.

How to fix this error?

Keep to the limits by reducing the number of elements in the structures.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BRAIN_DEV654 - Total number of structure element combinations exceeds allowed limit ?

  The SAP error message BRAIN_DEV654 indicates that the total number of structure element combinations in a query or report exceeds the allowed limit set by the system. This typically occurs in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP HANA environments when you are trying to create a query with too many characteristics or key figures, leading to a combinatorial explosion of possible data combinations.
  Cause:
  
  Excessive Characteristics: You may have added too many characteristics (dimensions) to your query or report, which results in a high number of combinations.
  High Cardinality: If the characteristics have a high number of unique values (high cardinality), the number of combinations can grow rapidly.
  Complex Queries: Queries that involve multiple hierarchies or complex calculations can also lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Reduce the Number of Characteristics: Review the characteristics included in your query and try to reduce their number. Focus on the most relevant ones for your analysis.
  Limit Key Figures: If possible, limit the number of key figures in the query to reduce the overall complexity.
  Use Variables: Implement variables in your query to allow users to filter data dynamically, which can help reduce the number of combinations at runtime.
  Aggregate Data: Consider aggregating data at a higher level to reduce the granularity of the query.
  Check Query Design: Review the design of your query to ensure it is optimized. Sometimes, restructuring the query can help avoid this error.
  Consult Documentation: Check SAP documentation for any specific limits related to your version of SAP BW or HANA, as these can vary.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Look for relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional insights or patches related to this error.
  Performance Tuning: Consider performance tuning techniques for your BW queries, which can help in managing the complexity and performance of your reports.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if others have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have implemented.
  
  If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or BW team for further analysis and support.