How To Fix C1231 - &1 characteristic value descriptions were reduced to &2 characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: C1 - Characteristics maintenance messages

• Message number: 231

• Message text: &1 characteristic value descriptions were reduced to &2 characters

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message C1231 - &1 characteristic value descriptions were reduced to &2 characters ?

  The SAP error message C1231 indicates that the characteristic value descriptions for a specific characteristic have been truncated. This typically occurs when the length of the characteristic value exceeds the maximum allowed length defined in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Length Exceedance: The characteristic value description you are trying to enter exceeds the maximum character limit set for that characteristic in the SAP system.
  Configuration Settings: The configuration settings for the characteristic may have been defined with a shorter length than what you are trying to input.
  Data Import/Upload: If you are importing or uploading data (e.g., via LSMW or other data migration tools), the source data may contain longer descriptions than allowed.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Definition:
  
  Go to the characteristic definition in the SAP system (Transaction code: CT04).
  Check the maximum length defined for the characteristic value description.
  If necessary, adjust the maximum length to accommodate longer descriptions, if it is appropriate for your business needs.
  
  
  
  Modify Input Data:
  
  If you cannot change the characteristic definition, you will need to modify the input data to ensure that the descriptions do not exceed the defined length.
  This may involve truncating the descriptions or using abbreviations.
  
  
  
  Data Upload Adjustments:
  
  If you are using a data upload tool, ensure that the data being uploaded adheres to the length restrictions.
  You may need to preprocess the data to ensure compliance before uploading.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP Basis or functional team to understand the implications of changing characteristic lengths and ensure that it aligns with your overall data management strategy.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  CT04: Create/Change Characteristics
  CT03: Display Characteristics
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  Data Model: Understand the data model and how characteristics are used in your specific SAP implementation, especially in relation to classification and material management.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the error and ensuring that your data complies with the defined limits, you can resolve the C1231 error effectively.