How To Fix BRAIN356 - Error while opening variant &1. Variant is not used

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BRAIN -

• Message number: 356

• Message text: Error while opening variant &1. Variant is not used

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 BRAIN356 - Error while opening variant &1. Variant is not used ?

  The SAP error message BRAIN356 indicates that there is an issue with opening a variant in the SAP system. The specific message states: "Error while opening variant &1. Variant is not used." This typically means that the variant you are trying to access is either not defined correctly, has been deleted, or is not assigned to the relevant report or query.
  Causes:
  
  Variant Not Defined: The variant you are trying to access may not exist in the system.
  Variant Deleted: The variant might have been deleted by another user or during a system cleanup.
  Incorrect Authorization: You may not have the necessary authorizations to access the variant.
  Incorrect Assignment: The variant may not be assigned to the report or query you are trying to run.
  Transport Issues: If the variant was transported from another system, it may not have been transported correctly.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Variant Existence:
  
  Go to the transaction where the variant is used (e.g., SE38 for ABAP programs, or the specific transaction for queries).
  Check if the variant exists by navigating to the variant management screen.
  
  
  
  Recreate the Variant:
  
  If the variant does not exist, you may need to recreate it. Ensure that you save it correctly.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Verify that you have the necessary authorizations to access the variant. You may need to contact your SAP security team.
  
  
  
  Review Assignment:
  
  Ensure that the variant is correctly assigned to the report or query you are trying to run. You can check this in the variant management settings.
  
  
  
  Consult with Basis Team:
  
  If the issue persists, consult with your SAP Basis team to check for any transport issues or system inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Check for System Notes:
  
  Look for any SAP Notes related to this error message. Sometimes, SAP releases notes that provide fixes or workarounds for specific issues.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SE38 (for ABAP programs) or SQ01/SQ02 (for queries) to manage variants.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on variant management and troubleshooting.
  User Forums: Check SAP Community forums or other user groups for similar issues and solutions shared by other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the BRAIN356 error and implement a solution. If the problem continues, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.