How To Fix COM_HIERARCHY012 - You are not authorized to change hierarchies

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_HIERARCHY - Hierarchy

• Message number: 012

• Message text: You are not authorized to change hierarchies

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COM_HIERARCHY012 - You are not authorized to change hierarchies ?

  The SAP error message COM_HIERARCHY012 indicates that a user is not authorized to change hierarchies in the system. This typically occurs in the context of SAP Controlling (CO) when a user attempts to modify a hierarchy (such as cost center hierarchies, profit center hierarchies, etc.) without having the necessary permissions.
  Cause:
  
  Authorization Issues: The user does not have the required authorization object to make changes to the hierarchy.
  Role Assignment: The user’s role may not include the necessary permissions for hierarchy management.
  Hierarchy Locking: The hierarchy might be locked for changes due to ongoing processes or settings in the system.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Use transaction code SU53 immediately after the error occurs to check which authorization check failed. This will provide insight into what specific authorization is missing.
  Review the user’s roles and authorizations in transaction PFCG. Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations for the relevant hierarchy management activities.
  
  
  
  Modify Roles:
  
  If the user lacks the necessary authorizations, a security administrator or someone with the appropriate access should modify the user’s roles to include the required authorization objects. Common authorization objects related to hierarchy management include:
  
  K_CCACT (Controlling Area: Activity)
  K_CCACT (Cost Center: Activity)
  K_CPROF (Profit Center: Activity)
  
  
  Ensure that the user has the appropriate activity types (like create, change, display) for the hierarchies they need to manage.
  
  
  
  Check Hierarchy Status:
  
  Verify if the hierarchy is locked for changes. This can happen if there are ongoing processes or if the hierarchy is set to a status that prevents changes. Consult with your SAP administrator to check the status of the hierarchy.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on the authorization objects and roles related to hierarchy management in your version of SAP.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes to roles or authorizations, have the user log out and log back in to ensure that the new permissions take effect. Then, attempt to change the hierarchy again.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SU53: Display Authorization Check
  PFCG: Role Maintenance
  SE93: Transaction Codes for Authorization Checks
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues or bugs related to this error message.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the processes and permissions required for managing hierarchies in SAP.
  
  If the issue persists after checking authorizations and roles, it may be necessary to consult with your SAP Basis or Security team for further investigation.