How To Fix 12418 - Internal number &1 is already assigned to standard characteristic &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 12 - Herstelldatum/Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum/Chargen

• Message number: 418

• Message text: Internal number &1 is already assigned to standard characteristic &2

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 12418 - Internal number &1 is already assigned to standard characteristic &2 ?

  The SAP error message 12418, which states "Internal number &1 is already assigned to standard characteristic &2," typically occurs in the context of SAP's classification system, particularly when dealing with characteristics in the classification hierarchy.
  Cause:
  This error arises when there is an attempt to assign an internal number (which is a unique identifier for a characteristic) that is already in use for another standard characteristic. In SAP, each characteristic must have a unique internal number to avoid conflicts and ensure data integrity.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Characteristics:
  
  Go to the transaction code CT04 (Create Characteristic) or CT05 (Change Characteristic) in SAP.
  Search for the characteristic using the internal number mentioned in the error message.
  Verify if the internal number is indeed assigned to another characteristic.
  
  
  
  Identify Conflicts:
  
  If the internal number is already assigned to a different characteristic, you will need to either:
  
  Change the internal number of the new characteristic you are trying to create or modify.
  Delete or modify the existing characteristic if it is no longer needed.
  
  
  
  
  
  Use Unique Internal Numbers:
  
  When creating new characteristics, ensure that you are using a unique internal number that is not already in use. This can often be managed by keeping a record of assigned internal numbers.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the characteristics and their internal numbers, consult your organization's documentation or SAP help resources for guidance on managing characteristics.
  
  
  
  Check Authorization:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify characteristics in the system. Lack of proper authorization can sometimes lead to unexpected errors.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CT04: Create Characteristic
  CT05: Change Characteristic
  CT03: Display Characteristic
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional context.
  
  
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on characteristics and classification to better understand how to manage them effectively.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and ensure that your characteristics are correctly configured in the SAP system.