How To Fix COAT118 - Variant &1 already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COAT - Messages Within Administration of Customer-Defined Objects

• Message number: 118

• Message text: Variant &1 already exists

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COAT118 - Variant &1 already exists ?

  The SAP error message COAT118, which states "Variant &1 already exists," typically occurs in the context of variant management in SAP, particularly when dealing with reports or selection variants. This error indicates that you are trying to create a new variant with a name that already exists in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Variant Name: The most common cause of this error is that you are attempting to create a variant with a name that is already in use. Each variant must have a unique name within the same report or selection screen.
  User Authorization: Sometimes, the error may also arise if there are restrictions on creating or modifying variants due to user authorization settings.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Variants: Before creating a new variant, check the list of existing variants for the report or selection screen you are working with. You can do this by:
  
  Navigating to the variant management screen (usually accessible via the report's selection screen).
  Viewing the list of variants to see if the name you want to use is already taken.
  
  
  
  Use a Different Name: If the variant name you are trying to use already exists, consider using a different name that is unique.
  
  
  Modify Existing Variant: If you need to change the settings of an existing variant, you can modify it instead of creating a new one. This can often be done from the same variant management screen.
  
  
  Check Authorizations: If you suspect that authorization issues might be causing the problem, check with your SAP administrator to ensure you have the necessary permissions to create or modify variants.
  
  
  Delete Unused Variants: If there are old or unused variants that you no longer need, consider deleting them to free up names for new variants.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes that utilize variants, such as SE38 (ABAP Editor), SA38 (Execute Report), or others that involve report execution.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to variant management that might address known issues or bugs.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for more details on variant management and best practices for naming conventions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the COAT118 error and successfully manage your variants in SAP.