How To Fix CLES012 - Characteristic '&1' has different formats: '&2', '&3'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CLES - Indexing for Classification System

• Message number: 012

• Message text: Characteristic '&1' has different formats: '&2', '&3'

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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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CLES012 - Characteristic '&1' has different formats: '&2', '&3' ?

  The SAP error message CLES012 indicates that there is a mismatch in the formats of a characteristic in the context of SAP's classification system. Specifically, it means that the characteristic identified by &1 has been defined with two different formats: &2 and &3. This can occur in scenarios where the same characteristic is used in different contexts or objects, leading to inconsistencies.
  Cause:
  
  Inconsistent Definition: The characteristic has been defined with different data types or formats in different classification systems or objects.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from one system to another, inconsistencies in the characteristic definitions may arise.
  Manual Changes: Manual changes to the characteristic definitions in different areas of the system can lead to format discrepancies.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Characteristic Definitions: Review the definitions of the characteristic in the classification system. Ensure that the format is consistent across all uses of the characteristic.
  Standardize Formats: If the characteristic needs to be used in multiple contexts, standardize its format to ensure consistency. This may involve changing the format in one or more places.
  Adjust Data: If the data associated with the characteristic is causing the issue, you may need to adjust the data to conform to the expected format.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator to understand the implications of changing characteristic definitions.
  Testing: After making changes, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the changes do not adversely affect other areas of the system.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Classification System: SAP's classification system allows for the categorization of materials and products using characteristics and classes.
  Characteristics: These are attributes that describe the properties of a class of objects. Each characteristic can have a specific format (e.g., numeric, alphanumeric, date).
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like CL02 (Change Characteristic) or CL03 (Display Characteristic) to view and modify characteristic definitions.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.