How To Fix CL118 - Do not define this characteristic as relevant to variants

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CL - Classification

• Message number: 118

• Message text: Do not define this characteristic as relevant to variants

What causes this issue?

Only a single-value characteristic can usefully be "relevant to
variants".
Reason:
A material variant (lowest node for value assignment in a material
group hierarchy) must always have unambiguous values. This is only
guaranteed for single-value characteristics.

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?

Change the characteristic to single value.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CL118 - Do not define this characteristic as relevant to variants ?

  The SAP error message CL118 ("Do not define this characteristic as relevant to variants") typically occurs in the context of variant configuration in SAP. This error indicates that a characteristic has been marked as relevant for variants, but it is not appropriate to do so for the specific configuration scenario you are working with.
  Cause:
  
  Inappropriate Characteristic Definition: The characteristic in question may not be suitable for variant configuration. For example, it might be a characteristic that is not intended to differentiate between product variants.
  Configuration Settings: The characteristic might have been incorrectly set up in the classification system, leading to conflicts with the variant configuration logic.
  Hierarchy Issues: If the characteristic is part of a class hierarchy, it may be defined in a way that conflicts with the variant configuration rules.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Review Characteristic Settings:
  
  Go to the classification system (transaction code CL02) and check the settings of the characteristic that is causing the error.
  Ensure that the characteristic is not marked as "relevant for variants" if it should not be.
  
  
  
  Adjust Configuration:
  
  If the characteristic is indeed relevant for variants, ensure that it is properly defined and that all necessary dependencies and constraints are set up correctly.
  If it is not relevant, uncheck the "relevant for variants" option in the characteristic settings.
  
  
  
  Check Dependencies:
  
  Review any dependencies associated with the characteristic. Ensure that they are correctly defined and do not conflict with the variant configuration.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on defining characteristics and their relevance to variants.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the configuration to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that the variant configuration behaves as expected.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CL02: Change Characteristic
  CL03: Display Characteristic
  CU01: Create Configuration Profile
  CU02: Change Configuration Profile
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to this error message.
  
  
  Training and Documentation: Consider reviewing SAP training materials or documentation on variant configuration and classification to better understand the principles and best practices.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CL118 error and ensure that your characteristics are correctly defined for variant configuration in SAP.