How To Fix C1862 - Characteristic "&" not allowed for matrix processing

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: C1 - Characteristics maintenance messages

• Message number: 862

• Message text: Characteristic "&" not allowed for matrix processing

What causes this issue?

You have selected a characteristic for which matrix processing is not
supported. The data type of the characteristic determines whether the
characteristic can be selected for matrix processing. A characteristic
with a <DS:GLOS.user-defined_data_type>user-defined data type</> cannot
be selected for matrix processing.

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?

You can only assign a value to the characteristic directly on the
characteristic value assignment screen.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message C1862 - Characteristic "&" not allowed for matrix processing ?

  The SAP error message C1862, which states "Characteristic '&' not allowed for matrix processing," typically occurs in the context of SAP Variant Configuration (VC) when you are trying to create or process a configuration matrix that includes a characteristic that is not suitable for matrix processing.
  Cause:
  
  Incompatible Characteristic: The characteristic in question (represented by "&") is not defined as a characteristic that can be used in matrix processing. This could be due to its data type, settings, or the way it has been configured in the system.
  Matrix Configuration Settings: The matrix configuration may have specific requirements or restrictions on which characteristics can be included. If a characteristic is not marked as suitable for matrix processing, it will trigger this error.
  Characteristic Type: Certain types of characteristics (e.g., text characteristics or those with specific data types) may not be allowed in matrix processing.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Settings: Go to the characteristic definition in the SAP system and check its settings. Ensure that the characteristic is marked as suitable for matrix processing. You can do this by:
  
  Navigating to the characteristic in the SAP Easy Access menu.
  Checking the "Matrix" tab or relevant settings to ensure it is allowed for matrix processing.
  
  
  
  Modify Characteristic Type: If the characteristic is not suitable for matrix processing due to its type, consider changing its type or creating a new characteristic that meets the requirements for matrix processing.
  
  
  Review Matrix Configuration: Ensure that the matrix configuration is set up correctly and that all included characteristics are compatible with matrix processing. You may need to adjust the configuration to exclude incompatible characteristics.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on the requirements for characteristics used in matrix processing.
  
  
  Testing: After making changes, test the configuration again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message. SAP frequently releases notes that address specific problems or provide guidance on configuration.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  Training and Documentation: Consider reviewing training materials or documentation related to Variant Configuration and matrix processing to better understand the requirements and best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.