How To Fix BRAIN142 - 'Calculate as...' is deactivated for lists with hierarchy

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BRAIN -

• Message number: 142

• Message text: 'Calculate as...' is deactivated for lists with hierarchy

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BRAIN142 - 'Calculate as...' is deactivated for lists with hierarchy ?

  The SAP error message BRAIN142, which states "'Calculate as...' is deactivated for lists with hierarchy," typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Warehouse (BW) or SAP BusinessObjects when you are trying to perform calculations on a report or query that involves hierarchical data.
  Cause:
  The error arises because the "Calculate as..." feature is not supported for lists that include hierarchical structures. This is a limitation in the way SAP handles calculations in reports that involve hierarchies. When you have a hierarchy in your data, certain calculations (like aggregations or derived metrics) cannot be performed in the same way as they would be on flat data.
  Solution:
  To resolve this issue, you can consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Remove Hierarchy: If possible, modify your query or report to remove the hierarchical structure. This may involve flattening the data or changing the way the data is presented.
  
  
  Use Alternative Calculations: Instead of using the "Calculate as..." feature, look for alternative ways to perform the calculations. This might involve using different functions or methods that are compatible with hierarchical data.
  
  
  Check Query Design: Review the design of your query in the Query Designer. Ensure that the settings and properties are correctly configured for handling hierarchies.
  
  
  Update SAP Version: If you are using an older version of SAP, consider updating to a newer version where this limitation might have been addressed.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling calculations with hierarchical data.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot find a suitable workaround, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Hierarchical Data: In SAP BW, hierarchical data structures are often used to represent organizational structures, product categories, etc. Understanding how these hierarchies work is crucial for effective reporting.
  SAP BW Query Designer: Familiarize yourself with the Query Designer tool, as it provides options for managing hierarchies and calculations.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message, as there may be specific fixes or workarounds provided by SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the BRAIN142 error and successfully work with your hierarchical data in SAP.