How To Fix CE046 - Do not enter characteristics with more than & characters in formulas

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CE - CAPP messages

• Message number: 046

• Message text: Do not enter characteristics with more than & characters in formulas

What causes this issue?

One of the characteristics which you have entered in the formula is too
long.
Characteristics can only be processed in formulas if the characteristic
name is not too long.

How to fix this error?

Use a characteristic with a shorter name.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CE046 - Do not enter characteristics with more than & characters in formulas ?

  The SAP error message CE046, which states "Do not enter characteristics with more than & characters in formulas," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Controlling (CO) module, particularly when dealing with formulas in the context of cost planning or profitability analysis.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when a user attempts to create or modify a formula that includes characteristics (such as cost elements, cost centers, or other dimensions) that exceed the allowed character limit. In SAP, there is a restriction on the number of characters that can be used in certain fields, and exceeding this limit results in the error message.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Review the Formula: Check the formula you are trying to enter and identify any characteristics that exceed the character limit. 
  
  
  Shorten Characteristic Names: If possible, use shorter names or abbreviations for the characteristics in your formula. This may involve creating new characteristics that are more concise.
  
  
  Split Formulas: If the formula is too complex or lengthy, consider breaking it down into smaller, simpler formulas that can be calculated separately and then combined later.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific character limits related to the version of SAP you are using, as these can vary.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums where other users may have encountered similar issues and can offer solutions or workarounds.
  Training and Documentation: Ensure that users involved in creating or modifying formulas are trained on the limitations and best practices for using characteristics in SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the CE046 error and successfully work with formulas in SAP.