How To Fix CL640 - Characteristics & -> & with different format

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CL - Classification

• Message number: 640

• Message text: Characteristics & -> & with different format

What causes this issue?

The formats of the two characteristics &V1& and &V2& are different.
Conversion is not possible.

System Response

The system checks whether the two formats are the same.

How to fix this error?

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CL640 - Characteristics & -> & with different format ?

  The SAP error message CL640, which states "Characteristics & -> & with different format," typically occurs in the context of classification and variant configuration in SAP. This error indicates that there is a mismatch in the format of characteristics that are being compared or assigned.
  Cause:
  
  Different Data Types: The characteristics being compared may have different data types (e.g., one is a numeric type while the other is a character type).
  Inconsistent Lengths: The lengths of the characteristics may differ, leading to format discrepancies.
  Incorrect Configuration: The configuration settings for the characteristics may not be aligned, causing the system to throw an error when trying to process them together.
  Master Data Issues: There may be inconsistencies in the master data where the characteristics are defined.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Characteristic Definitions: Go to the classification view in SAP and check the definitions of the characteristics involved. Ensure that they have the same data type and length.
  Adjust Data Types: If the characteristics are supposed to be compatible, adjust their data types to match. This can be done in the classification system.
  Review Configuration Settings: Ensure that the configuration settings for the characteristics are correctly set up. This includes checking dependencies and constraints that may be causing the issue.
  Data Consistency: Verify the master data for any inconsistencies. Make sure that the values assigned to the characteristics are valid and conform to the expected formats.
  Testing: After making changes, test the configuration to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like CL02 (Change Characteristic) or CL03 (Display Characteristic) to review and modify characteristics.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on characteristics and classification.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider debugging the process to identify where the format mismatch is occurring.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CL640 error and ensure that your characteristics are correctly configured for use in your SAP system.