How To Fix 5P381 - E: This node combination is not permitted here (see long text)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5P - Error Messages for Schema, Pers.Calc.Rule and Feature Checks

• Message number: 381

• Message text: E: This node combination is not permitted here (see long text)

What causes this issue?

This node combination is not permitted here.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Combination rules for the second hierarchy level:
- All features are allowed just one node if the node is of the
decision operation or subfeature access type.
- A main feature is also allowed just one node if the node is of
the program access type. Furthermore, a main feature with field
return is allowed just one node if the node is of the return
value type.
- The error operation, root, and field value node types are not
permitted here.
- Two nodes are allowed if one of them contains a debugging
operation.
- A main feature with table return is allowed a maximum of 36
nodes if all of the nodes contain return lines, or a maximum
of 35 return lines and just one debugging operation.
- A subfeature is allowed a maximum of 36 nodes if all of the nodes
contain return lines or program accesses, or 35 and just one
debugging operation.
Combination rules for field value nodes:
- The field value node must have a node child.
- The node child must not be of the field value type.
- The field value node can have just one node child if the node
child is of the decision operation, error operation, or subfeature
access type.
- A field value node for a main feature can also have just one node
child if the node child is of the program access type. Furthermore,
a field value node for a main feature with field return can also
have just one node child if the node child is of the return value
type.
- Two node children are also allowed if one node child is a
debugging operation.
- If a main feature has table return, a maximum of 36 node children
are allowed if all of the node children contain return lines, or a
maximum of 35 return lines and just one debugging operation.
- A subfeature is allowed a maximum of 36 node children if they all
contain return lines or program accesses, or 35 and just one
debugging operation.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5P381 - E: This node combination is not permitted here (see long text) ?

  The SAP error message 5P381 E: "This node combination is not permitted here" typically occurs in the context of SAP's Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or when working with the SAP Variant Configuration (VC) module. This error indicates that there is an issue with the configuration of a product or a variant where the combination of selected nodes (characteristics or values) is not valid according to the rules defined in the configuration model.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Node Combination: The selected characteristics or values do not comply with the dependencies or constraints defined in the configuration model. For example, if a certain feature is selected, it may restrict the selection of other features.
  Missing Dependencies: There may be missing or incorrectly defined dependencies in the configuration model that lead to invalid combinations.
  Incorrect Configuration Settings: The configuration settings in the material master or the variant configuration profile may not be set up correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Configuration Model: Check the configuration model for the product to ensure that the dependencies and constraints are correctly defined. Look for any rules that might restrict the combination of selected nodes.
  Validate Selected Characteristics: Ensure that the selected characteristics and their values are valid. You may need to change the selection to comply with the defined rules.
  Check for Missing Dependencies: If there are dependencies that should be in place but are missing, you may need to add them to the configuration model.
  Consult Long Text: The error message often has a long text that provides additional context or details about the specific issue. Make sure to read this long text for more insights.
  Test Configuration: After making changes, test the configuration again to see if the error persists.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like CU01 (Create Configuration Profile), CU02 (Change Configuration Profile), or CU03 (Display Configuration Profile) to manage configuration settings.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for detailed information on setting up variant configuration and managing dependencies.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address known issues or provide additional guidance on this error message.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP expert or your organization's SAP support team for further assistance.