Reducing Complexity and Run Time of a Form

The complexity of a form—determined by the number of cells, dimensions, standard blocks, versions, document types, and measures—directly impacts performance. High complexity increases the time required to run or save forms in the Enter Package Data app.

To ensure stability and performance, specific thresholds apply. When you run or save a form, the system validates it against these limits.

Form Thresholds

  • Exceeding a recommended threshold: The system displays a warning message, but allows you to proceed.

  • Exceeding an allowed threshold: The system displays an error message and prevents the action.

If you encounter these messages, you must reduce the form's complexity in the Manage Forms app. We recommend testing every newly designed form in Enter Package Data to ensure it stays within these boundaries.

Performance Limits by Category

  • Cells

    Cell counts are validated during run or save actions in the Enter Package Data app.

    Allowed: 1,000,000 cells (includes hidden rows and columns).

  • Dimensions and standard blocks

    These are validated when saving the form in the Manage Forms app.

    Category

    Recommended Limit

    Allowed Limit

    Dimensions (rows)

    Up to 5

    --

    Dimensions (columns)

    Up to 5

    --

    Combined dimensions

    Up to 6

    Up to 9

    Standard blocks (rows)

    Up to 49

    Up to 99

    Standard blocks (columns)

    Up to 14

    Up to 29

  • Versions, measures, and document types

    These dimensions create a significant processing load because each combination requires a separate data request from SAP BTP to SAP S/4HANA for Group Reporting. The total number of combinations is calculated by multiplying the values used.

    For example, 3 versions x 2 measures x 10 document types = 60 combinations.

    • Recommended: up to 49 combinations.

    • Allowed: up to 99 combinations.

Best Practices for Reducing Form Complexity

If your form is slow or exceeds thresholds, consider the following redesign strategies:

  • Optimize blocks: Reduce the total number of blocks in rows or columns.

  • Use filters: Whenever possible, move dimensions to the Filters section rather than placing them in rows or columns.

  • Limit dimension values: Avoid list of values with excessive itemized entries.

  • Select efficient filter modes: For the FS Item dimension, use the Attribute filter mode instead of List of Values or All Values.

  • Placement strategy: If you must use All Values or All Values and Empty, place that dimension in a row rather than a column.

  • Modularize: Split large, complex forms into multiple smaller, specialized forms.

  • Data entry settings: Do not enable the Cells Where Data Entry Isn't Allowed checkbox unless it is business-critical.