How To Fix BOS01163 - You cannot change the outline level; path already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BOS01 - Customer BOS Processing

• Message number: 163

• Message text: You cannot change the outline level; path already exists

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BOS01163 - You cannot change the outline level; path already exists ?

  The SAP error message BOS01163, which states "You cannot change the outline level; path already exists," typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Objects (BO) when you are trying to modify the structure of a hierarchy or outline in a report or data model. This error indicates that the change you are attempting to make would create a conflict with an existing path in the hierarchy.
  Cause:
  
  Existing Path Conflict: The most common cause of this error is that the change you are trying to make (such as moving a node or changing its level) would result in a duplicate path that already exists in the hierarchy.
  Hierarchy Integrity: SAP Business Objects enforces integrity rules to ensure that the hierarchy remains valid and does not contain circular references or duplicate paths.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Hierarchy: Review the existing hierarchy to identify the paths that are already defined. Ensure that the change you are trying to make does not conflict with these paths.
  
  
  Modify the Change: Instead of changing the outline level of the node that is causing the conflict, consider:
  
  Moving the node to a different level that does not conflict with existing paths.
  Renaming the node or creating a new node if necessary.
  
  
  
  Delete or Adjust Conflicting Nodes: If the conflicting path is not needed, you may consider deleting or adjusting the existing nodes that are causing the conflict.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP Business Objects documentation for guidelines on managing hierarchies and outlines. This can provide insights into best practices and potential pitfalls.
  
  
  Test Changes in a Development Environment: If possible, test your changes in a development or test environment before applying them to production to avoid disruptions.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Business Objects Documentation: Check the official SAP documentation for Business Objects for detailed information on managing hierarchies and outlines.
  SAP Community Forums: Engage with the SAP community forums or support channels for additional insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  Version-Specific Considerations: Be aware that the behavior of hierarchies and outlines may vary between different versions of SAP Business Objects, so ensure that you are referencing the correct version of the documentation.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BOS01163 error and successfully manage your hierarchy in SAP Business Objects.