Some times-Rarely though you would want to decrease the value of the max_length attribute of any Dictionary Entry. For example : There is a Column called response in <pre language="javascript"> sys_soap_message_test </pre> which I by mistake increased its length. Now, the Web Service doesn’t run. I want to get the value of this max-length to its original value(to decrease it) Which is not possible. If you haven’t tried it, Try it.
You can’t decrease the value of max_length of any Dictionary Variable.A business rule will not allow this.
Name : <pre lang="javascript"> Dictionary change rationally </pre>
Description of the Business rule :
This rule prevents decreasing the max_length of a field. If it is deactivated,
and the length of an out-of-box field is decreased, the change will
automatically be reverted in the next upgrade. This behavior is by design.
If you want to decrease the length, then Deactivate this Business Rule and then, modify the length :) (or) If it is not so urgent, wait for the next upgrade it will be reset-ed to its original :)