How To Fix 28051 - Reference to characteristic required

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 28 - Configuration

• Message number: 051

• Message text: Reference to characteristic required

What causes this issue?

The syntax check found an error.

System Response

The cursor marks the place in your entry where the error occurs.

How to fix this error?

A reference to a characteristic is expected at this point. Please note
that you refer to a characteristic by entering the language-independent
characteristic name. The reference can also can also contain a
reference to the object to which the characteristic refers, for
example:
COLOR
$ROOT.COLOR
Please note also other possible causes of error (messages).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 28051 - Reference to characteristic required ?

  The SAP error message 28051, "Reference to characteristic required," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) or other modules where characteristics and key figures are involved, such as in the configuration of planning objects or when defining planning scenarios.
  Cause:
  This error message indicates that a characteristic that is required for a certain operation or configuration is missing or not properly referenced. This can happen in various scenarios, such as:
  
  Missing Characteristic: The characteristic that is expected to be referenced in a planning object or a key figure is not defined or is not available in the context where it is being used.
  Incorrect Configuration: The configuration of the planning area, planning object, or key figure might not include the necessary characteristics.
  Data Model Issues: There may be issues with the data model where the characteristic is not linked correctly to the relevant objects.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error message 28051, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Go to the relevant configuration settings in SAP (e.g., transaction codes like /SAPAPO/SDP94 for planning areas or /SAPAPO/MC62 for key figures).
  Ensure that all required characteristics are defined and correctly referenced in the planning area or key figure.
  
  
  
  Define Missing Characteristics:
  
  If a characteristic is missing, you may need to create it. This can be done in the characteristics configuration section (transaction code CT04 for creating characteristics).
  After creating the characteristic, ensure it is assigned to the relevant planning object.
  
  
  
  Check Data Model:
  
  Review the data model to ensure that all necessary links between characteristics and planning objects are established.
  Use transaction codes like /SAPAPO/MC62 to check the key figures and their associated characteristics.
  
  
  
  Re-activate Planning Area:
  
  If changes were made to the characteristics or key figures, you may need to re-activate the planning area to ensure that the changes take effect.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the configuration of the planning area or key figures related to your scenario.
  
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the configuration and characteristics, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CT04 (Create Characteristic), /SAPAPO/MC62 (Key Figure Configuration), and /SAPAPO/SDP94 (Planning Area Configuration).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to error message 28051 for additional insights or patches that may address the issue.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the error message 28051 in your SAP system.