How To Fix CLASSIFICATION_TOOL221 - Cirular link chain detected (at &1 &2 &3 &4).

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CLASSIFICATION_TOOL - Classification tool

• Message number: 221

• Message text: Cirular link chain detected (at &1 &2 &3 &4).

What causes this issue?

The classification of an object A has been linked to the classification
of another object B. Object B is again directly or indirectly linked to
A. The links make up a cycle.

System Response

The classification system ignores such cycles and does not allow to
create them.

How to fix this error?

Edit the classification of one of the objects involved in the cycle and
break it.

Procedure for System Administrators

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 CLASSIFICATION_TOOL221 - Cirular link chain detected (at &1 &2 &3 &4). ?

  The SAP error message CLASSIFICATION_TOOL221 indicates that a circular link chain has been detected in the classification system. This typically occurs when there is a recursive relationship in the classification hierarchy, which can lead to infinite loops or inconsistencies in data processing.
  Cause:
  The circular link chain can be caused by:
  
  Incorrect Hierarchical Structure: If a class or characteristic is incorrectly linked to itself or to another class that eventually links back to it, it creates a circular reference.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual errors during the creation or modification of classes or characteristics can lead to unintended circular links.
  System Configuration Issues: Misconfigurations in the classification settings or during the import of classification data can also lead to circular references.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the CLASSIFICATION_TOOL221 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify the Circular Link:
  
  Review the error message details, which typically include the objects involved in the circular link (indicated by &1, &2, &3, &4).
  Use transaction codes like CL02 (Change Class) or CL03 (Display Class) to examine the class hierarchy and relationships.
  
  
  
  Correct the Hierarchical Structure:
  
  Navigate to the classes involved in the circular reference and check their relationships.
  Remove or correct any links that create a circular reference. Ensure that no class points back to itself or creates a loop with other classes.
  
  
  
  Data Validation:
  
  Validate the data entries for classes and characteristics to ensure that they are correctly defined and do not reference each other in a circular manner.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making corrections, test the classification functionality to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that the classification system operates as expected.
  
  
  
  Documentation and Training:
  
  Document the changes made and consider providing training to users involved in class and characteristic management to prevent future occurrences of circular links.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to classification errors. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CL01 (Create Class), CL02 (Change Class), CL03 (Display Class), and CL04 (Delete Class) for managing classification data.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the circular link chain issue in your SAP classification system.