How To Fix CL162 - Internal error: duplicate overwrite of characteristic

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CL - Classification

• Message number: 162

• Message text: Internal error: duplicate overwrite of characteristic

What causes this issue?

An internal error has occurred: At least two characteristics were
overwritten, and all changes were saved internally under the same
characteristic number. This error was probably caused by the current
change.

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?

Cancel processing and try to reproduce the error. Report the error to
the SAP hotline, including information on how to reproduce the error.
You cannot save the class if it contains two identical characteristic
numbers under which different characteristic changes were saved (field
KSML-OMERK).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CL162 - Internal error: duplicate overwrite of characteristic ?

  The SAP error message CL162 ("Internal error: duplicate overwrite of characteristic") typically occurs in the context of classification in SAP, particularly when dealing with characteristics in a class. This error indicates that there is an attempt to assign the same characteristic value to a class or object more than once, which is not allowed.
  Causes:
  
  Duplicate Characteristics: The error often arises when there are duplicate entries for characteristics in the classification system. This can happen if the same characteristic is being assigned multiple times to a class or object.
  Incorrect Data Entry: Manual data entry errors can lead to the same characteristic being entered multiple times.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system or if there have been bulk uploads, it may lead to duplicates if not properly checked.
  Custom Code: If there are custom programs or enhancements that manipulate characteristics, they may inadvertently cause duplicates.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check for Duplicates: Review the characteristics assigned to the class or object in question. Ensure that no characteristic is assigned more than once.
  
  Use transaction codes like CL02 (Change Class) or CL03 (Display Class) to inspect the characteristics.
  
  
  
  Data Cleanup: If duplicates are found, remove the redundant entries. This can be done manually or through a data cleanup program if there are many entries.
  
  
  Review Custom Code: If there are custom developments, review the code to ensure that it does not create duplicate entries. Debugging may be necessary to identify where the duplicates are being generated.
  
  
  Data Migration Validation: If the error occurred after a data migration, validate the migration process to ensure that it correctly handles characteristics without creating duplicates.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide patches or updates that could resolve the issue.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CL01 (Create Class), CL02 (Change Class), and CL03 (Display Class) for managing classifications.
  SAP Documentation: Review SAP documentation on classification and characteristics to understand the rules and constraints better.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance, especially if it appears to be a bug or a more complex issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the CL162 error and implement a solution to resolve it.