How To Fix CL609 - Characteristic "&" already created with different data

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CL - Classification

• Message number: 609

• Message text: Characteristic "&" already created with different data

What causes this issue?

You want to copy a characteristic from DIN standard data. The
characteristic you entered exists already and has different data for
format, length, unit, or characteristic description.

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?

Change the characteristic name.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CL609 - Characteristic "&" already created with different data ?

  The SAP error message CL609 indicates that there is a conflict with the creation of a characteristic in the classification system. Specifically, it means that a characteristic with the same name (represented by "&") already exists in the system but has been defined with different attributes or data.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Characteristic Name: The characteristic you are trying to create has the same name as an existing characteristic, but the existing one has different settings or data.
  Inconsistent Data: The existing characteristic may have been created in a different context or with different attributes, leading to a conflict when trying to create a new one with the same name.
  Transport Issues: If characteristics were transported from one system to another (e.g., from development to production), there may be inconsistencies in the definitions.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Characteristics: 
  
  Use transaction code CT04 to display the existing characteristic. Look for the characteristic with the same name and review its attributes.
  If the existing characteristic is not needed, consider deleting or modifying it to resolve the conflict.
  
  
  
  Rename the New Characteristic: 
  
  If the existing characteristic is valid and should remain, consider using a different name for the new characteristic you are trying to create.
  
  
  
  Review Transport Requests: 
  
  If the issue arose after a transport, check the transport logs to ensure that the characteristics were transported correctly and consistently.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Review any documentation or guidelines for naming conventions and characteristic definitions within your organization to avoid future conflicts.
  
  
  
  Check for Custom Developments: 
  
  If there are custom developments or enhancements in your SAP system, ensure that they are not causing conflicts with standard characteristics.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  CT04: Create/Change Characteristic
  CT03: Display Characteristic
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to characteristic creation and classification.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CL609 error and successfully manage your characteristics in the SAP classification system.