How To Fix CNIF_PI073 - The main activity &1 is an activity element itself

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CNIF_PI - BAPI Notifications of Project System

• Message number: 073

• Message text: The main activity &1 is an activity element itself

What causes this issue?

The new activity element &V2& that is to be created requires a main
activity as a reference. The main activity &V1&, however, is an
activity element itself.

System Response

The activity element is not created. The individual BAPI finishes with
errors.

How to fix this error?

Specify a real main activity for the new activity element that is to be
created.

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 CNIF_PI073 - The main activity &1 is an activity element itself ?

  The SAP error message CNIF_PI073 indicates that there is an issue with the structure of your project or network in the Project System (PS) module. Specifically, it means that the main activity you are trying to assign or reference is itself an activity element, which is not allowed in the context you are working in.
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs in the following scenarios:
  
  Incorrect Assignment: You are trying to assign an activity element as a main activity in a project or network where it is not valid to do so.
  Hierarchy Issues: The structure of your project or network may have been set up incorrectly, leading to a situation where an activity is being treated as both a main activity and a subordinate activity.
  Configuration Errors: There may be configuration settings in your project that do not allow for the current structure you are trying to implement.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the CNIF_PI073 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Activity Structure:
  
  Review the hierarchy of your project or network. Ensure that the main activity is not defined as an activity element. You may need to change the structure to ensure that the main activity is a valid element.
  
  
  
  Reassign Activities:
  
  If you have mistakenly assigned an activity element as a main activity, you will need to reassign it correctly. Make sure that the main activity is a valid project element and not an activity itself.
  
  
  
  Review Project Settings:
  
  Check the configuration settings for your project. Ensure that the settings allow for the structure you are trying to implement. You may need to consult with your SAP administrator or a project manager to ensure that the project settings are correct.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  Use transaction codes like CJ20N (Project Builder) or CN21 (Create Network) to review and modify the project structure. Look for any inconsistencies in the activity assignments.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on project structures and activity assignments. This can provide insights into best practices and common pitfalls.
  
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for assistance. They may have additional tools or insights to help you troubleshoot the problem.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  Training and Documentation: Consider reviewing training materials or documentation related to the Project System module to better understand how to structure projects and networks correctly.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where you can ask questions and share experiences with other SAP users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the CNIF_PI073 error and implement a solution to resolve it.