How To Fix CLASSIFICATION_TOOL218 - Invalid characteristic definition(s).

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CLASSIFICATION_TOOL - Classification tool

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Invalid characteristic definition(s).

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CLASSIFICATION_TOOL218 - Invalid characteristic definition(s). ?

  The SAP error message "CLASSIFICATION_TOOL218 Invalid characteristic definition(s)" typically occurs in the context of SAP's classification system, which is used for managing characteristics and classes of materials or products. This error indicates that there is an issue with the definition of one or more characteristics that are being used in a classification.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Characteristics: The characteristic that is being referenced may not exist in the system.
  Incorrect Data Type: The data type of the characteristic may not match the expected type (e.g., a numeric characteristic being defined as a string).
  Inactive Characteristics: The characteristic may be inactive or not properly defined in the system.
  Incorrect Class Assignment: The characteristic may not be assigned to the correct class or may not be linked properly.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access or modify the characteristic definitions.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Characteristic Definitions: Go to the classification view in SAP and verify that the characteristics are correctly defined. Ensure that all required characteristics are present and active.
  Review Data Types: Ensure that the data types of the characteristics match the expected types in the classification system.
  Activate Characteristics: If any characteristics are inactive, activate them in the system.
  Correct Class Assignments: Ensure that the characteristics are assigned to the correct classes and that there are no discrepancies in the class hierarchy.
  User Authorizations: Check the user roles and authorizations to ensure that the user has the necessary permissions to access and modify the characteristics.
  Recreate Characteristics: If the issue persists, consider deleting and recreating the problematic characteristics to ensure they are correctly defined.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like CT04 (Create Characteristic), CT05 (Change Characteristic), and CL02 (Change Class) to manage characteristics and classes.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the classification tool and characteristics.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on classification and characteristics management.
  
  If the problem continues after trying these solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP community forums for further assistance.