How To Fix CLES014 - Characteristic '&1': unknown format '&2'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CLES - Indexing for Classification System

• Message number: 014

• Message text: Characteristic '&1': unknown format '&2'

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.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CLES014 - Characteristic '&1': unknown format '&2' ?

  The SAP error message CLES014 indicates that there is an issue with a characteristic in the SAP system, specifically that the format of the characteristic is unknown. This error typically arises in the context of SAP's classification system, where characteristics are used to define the properties of objects.
  Cause:
  
  
  Unknown Format: The characteristic specified in the error message (&1) is being referenced with a format (&2) that the system does not recognize. This could be due to:
  
  A typo in the characteristic name or format.
  The characteristic not being properly defined in the system.
  The format being incorrectly specified in the configuration or master data.
  
  
  
  Missing Configuration: The characteristic may not have been configured correctly in the classification system, or it may not have been activated.
  
  
  Data Inconsistency: There may be inconsistencies in the data where the characteristic is being used, such as in a material master or classification data.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Definition:
  
  Go to the transaction code CT04 (for creating or changing characteristics) and verify that the characteristic &1 is defined correctly.
  Ensure that the format specified (&2) is valid and recognized by the system.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration settings for the classification system to ensure that the characteristic is properly set up.
  Make sure that the characteristic is assigned to the appropriate classes and that the classes are active.
  
  
  
  Correct Data Entry:
  
  If the error occurs during data entry, double-check the input for any typos or incorrect formats.
  Ensure that the data being entered adheres to the expected formats defined for the characteristic.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources for any specific requirements or constraints related to the characteristic and its formats.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If the issue persists, consider debugging the program or transaction that is generating the error to identify the exact point of failure.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CT04 (Characteristic Maintenance), CL02 (Class Maintenance), and MM02 (Material Master Maintenance) for managing characteristics and classes.
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to error CLES014 for any patches or updates that may address the issue.
  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 identify and resolve the cause of the CLES014 error in your SAP system.