How To Fix 72212 - Variant specification is not clear

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 72 - Message Class for Time Management Reports

• Message number: 212

• Message text: Variant specification is not clear

What causes this issue?

If you want to determine a daily work schedule variant, you must either
enter an explicit variant in the <zh>Variant</> field, or select only
one of the <zh>Var. ctrl</> or <zh>OrigVar</> fields.

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?

Decide how you want to determine the variant, and then enter either an
explicit variant or select only one of the <zh>Var. ctrl</> or
<zh>OrigVar</> fields.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 72212 - Variant specification is not clear ?

  The SAP error message "72212 - Variant specification is not clear" typically occurs when there is ambiguity in the variant selection criteria for a report or transaction. This can happen in various contexts, such as when using variants in reports, batch jobs, or other processes where specific parameters are required.
  Cause:
  
  Ambiguous Variant Definition: The variant you are trying to use may not have a clear definition, meaning that the parameters required for the report or transaction are not specified correctly.
  Missing Parameters: Some required fields in the variant may be left blank or not filled in properly, leading to confusion in how the system should execute the report.
  Multiple Variants: If there are multiple variants with similar names or criteria, the system may not be able to determine which one to use.
  Changes in Data Structure: If there have been changes in the underlying data structure or fields that the variant relies on, it may lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Variant Definition: Go to the variant management screen and review the definition of the variant you are trying to use. Ensure that all required fields are filled in correctly and that there is no ambiguity.
  Create a New Variant: If the existing variant is causing issues, consider creating a new variant with a clear and unambiguous specification.
  Review Parameter Settings: Ensure that all parameters required for the report or transaction are set correctly. If any parameters are optional, make sure that their absence does not lead to ambiguity.
  Consult Documentation: Check the documentation for the specific report or transaction to understand the required parameters and their expected values.
  Test with Default Settings: If possible, try running the report or transaction without using a variant to see if it executes correctly with default settings. This can help identify if the issue is specifically with the variant.
  Check for Updates: Ensure that your SAP system is up to date, as sometimes bugs or issues are resolved in newer versions or patches.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may encounter this error in various transaction codes, such as SE38 (ABAP Editor), SA38 (Execute Report), or others where variants are used.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions to common problems.
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access and modify the variant in question.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or technical team for further investigation.