How To Fix CME_API_CHAR002 - A characteristic already exists for GUID &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CME_API_CHAR - Messages of Function Group CME_API_CHAR

• Message number: 002

• Message text: A characteristic already exists for GUID &

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CME_API_CHAR002 - A characteristic already exists for GUID & ?

  The SAP error message CME_API_CHAR002 indicates that there is an attempt to create or modify a characteristic in the SAP system, but a characteristic with the same GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) already exists. This typically occurs in the context of SAP's Classification System or when working with characteristics in the SAP Business Warehouse (BW) or SAP HANA.
  Cause:
  
  
  Duplicate Characteristic Creation: The error is triggered when you try to create a new characteristic that has the same GUID as an existing one. This can happen if:
  
  You are importing characteristics from an external source.
  There is a programming error in a custom development that attempts to create a characteristic without checking for existing ones.
  Data migration processes that do not handle existing records properly.
  
  
  
  Data Consistency Issues: There may be inconsistencies in the database or issues with the data model that lead to the system not recognizing that a characteristic already exists.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Characteristics: Before creating a new characteristic, check the existing characteristics in the system to ensure that one with the same GUID does not already exist. You can do this by:
  
  Using transaction codes like CT04 (for characteristics) to search for existing entries.
  Querying the relevant database tables directly if you have access.
  
  
  
  Modify Instead of Create: If the characteristic already exists and you need to make changes, consider modifying the existing characteristic instead of creating a new one.
  
  
  Data Cleanup: If you find that there are duplicate entries or inconsistencies, you may need to clean up the data. This could involve:
  
  Deleting or archiving unnecessary characteristics.
  Correcting any data migration scripts or processes to prevent duplicates in the future.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific version of SAP you are using, as there may be specific guidelines or patches available for this issue.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot resolve it, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They may provide insights specific to your system configuration or version.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CT04 for characteristics, CT03 for displaying characteristics, and CT05 for deleting characteristics.
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to the error message CME_API_CHAR002 for any known issues or patches.
  System Logs: Check system logs (transaction SLG1) for additional details that may provide context for the error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.