How To Fix AFWCH_FL038 - Characteristic &1 is not unique without &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AFWCH_FL - AFWCH: Filter Messages

• Message number: 038

• Message text: Characteristic &1 is not unique without &2

What causes this issue?

You are trying to use characteristic <ZH>&V2&</><ZH> </> that
is compounded with characteristic <ZH>&V1&</><ZH> </> for the filter
selections. As a result, the value specification is not unique. Check
whether this is intended.

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?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AFWCH_FL038 - Characteristic &1 is not unique without &2 ?

  The SAP error message AFWCH_FL038 indicates that a characteristic is not unique without a specific context or additional characteristic. This typically occurs in the context of SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) or SAP S/4HANA when working with characteristics in a planning scenario.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you are trying to use a characteristic (denoted as &1) in a context where it needs to be uniquely identifiable, but it is not. The message suggests that the characteristic requires an additional characteristic (denoted as &2) to ensure uniqueness. This situation often occurs in the following scenarios:
  
  Multiple Values: The characteristic has multiple values that do not uniquely identify a specific object or planning entity.
  Hierarchical Structures: In cases where characteristics are part of a hierarchy, the system may require additional context to resolve ambiguities.
  Data Model Issues: There may be issues with the data model or configuration that lead to non-unique characteristics.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Identify the Characteristics: Determine which characteristic is causing the issue (characteristic &1) and what additional characteristic is needed for uniqueness (characteristic &2).
  
  
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration of the characteristics in the relevant planning area or data model. Ensure that the characteristics are set up correctly and that they are linked appropriately.
  
  
  Add Additional Context: When using the characteristic in your planning or reporting, include the additional characteristic that provides the necessary context to make it unique.
  
  
  Data Validation: Validate the data to ensure that there are no duplicates or inconsistencies that could lead to this error. This may involve checking the master data or transactional data related to the characteristics.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the characteristics and their relationships in your particular version of SAP.
  
  
  Seek Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide more tailored assistance based on your system configuration.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to characteristics and planning (e.g., /SAPAPO/SDP94, /SAPAPO/MC62).
  Training and Documentation: Consider training resources or documentation on SAP APO or S/4HANA that cover characteristics and planning scenarios in detail.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the AFWCH_FL038 error and ensure that your characteristics are used correctly in your planning processes.