How To Fix C4836 - You cannot combine characteristic value '&1' and date &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: C4 - CTMS_SYNTAX_CHECK

• Message number: 836

• Message text: You cannot combine characteristic value '&1' and date &2

What causes this issue?

The matrix list displayed contains entries for all available
combinations of characteristic values and planning dates for which a
usage probability is defined or can be defined. There are also
combinations for which no usage probability can be defined, because:
* the characteristic value is not valid on this date
* the date is not a supporting point
You tried to make a new entry in the matrix list. However, you cannot
enter the combination of characteristic value and date that you chose,
for one of the reasons above.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Either choose another combination of characteristic value and date,
that is valid, or delete your entry.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message C4836 - You cannot combine characteristic value '&1' and date &2 ?

  The SAP error message C4836 indicates that there is an issue with combining a specific characteristic value with a date in a particular context, such as in a planning or forecasting scenario. This error typically arises in the context of SAP's Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) or similar modules where characteristics and their values are used to define planning objects.
  Cause:
  The error message C4836 is triggered when:
  
  The characteristic value you are trying to use is not valid for the specified date.
  There may be restrictions or dependencies defined in the system that prevent the combination of the characteristic value and the date.
  The characteristic value may not be valid for the time period you are working with, possibly due to configuration settings or master data issues.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Value Validity:
  
  Verify that the characteristic value you are trying to use is valid for the specified date. You can do this by checking the master data or configuration settings related to the characteristic.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings:
  
  Look into the configuration settings for the characteristic in question. Ensure that there are no restrictions or dependencies that would prevent the combination of the characteristic value and the date.
  
  
  
  Examine Time Periods:
  
  Ensure that the time period you are working with is appropriate for the characteristic value. For example, if the characteristic value is only valid for certain periods, make sure you are within those periods.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details about the characteristic and its valid values. This can provide insights into any limitations or rules that apply.
  
  
  
  Check for Data Consistency:
  
  Ensure that the data in your system is consistent and that there are no discrepancies that could lead to this error. This may involve checking for missing or incorrect entries in master data.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP experts who can provide further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional context.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to master data maintenance, such as CT04 (Change Characteristic) or CT03 (Display Characteristic), to help you investigate the issue.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement a suitable solution.