How To Fix COM_SCHEME004 - The first &1 characters must be identical with higher-level category's ID

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_SCHEME - Messages on Numbering Schemes

• Message number: 004

• Message text: The first &1 characters must be identical with higher-level category's ID

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 COM_SCHEME004 - The first &1 characters must be identical with higher-level category's ID ?

  The SAP error message COM_SCHEME004 indicates that there is a mismatch between the ID of a lower-level category and its higher-level category in the context of a classification scheme. This error typically arises when you are trying to create or modify a category in a classification system, and the first few characters of the lower-level category's ID do not match the corresponding characters of the higher-level category's ID.
  Cause:
  The error occurs due to the following reasons:
  
  ID Structure Mismatch: The ID of the lower-level category does not conform to the expected structure defined by the higher-level category. Specifically, the first few characters of the lower-level category's ID must match the higher-level category's ID.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be a configuration issue in the classification schema that defines how categories are structured and related to one another.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Category IDs: Verify the ID of the higher-level category and ensure that the first few characters of the lower-level category's ID match it. For example, if the higher-level category ID is ABC, then the lower-level category ID should start with ABC (e.g., ABC01, ABC02, etc.).
  
  
  Modify the Lower-Level Category ID: If the lower-level category ID does not match, you will need to change it to ensure it starts with the same characters as the higher-level category.
  
  
  Review Configuration: If you are unsure about the structure of the IDs, review the configuration settings for the classification scheme in your SAP system. This may involve checking the settings in the Customizing (SPRO) area related to classification.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on how to properly structure category IDs within your classification scheme.
  
  
  Testing: After making the necessary changes, test the creation or modification of the category again to ensure that the error has been resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Classification in SAP: Classification is a method used in SAP to categorize materials, services, or other objects. Each category can have subcategories, and the hierarchical structure must be maintained.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CL02 (Change Class) or CL03 (Display Class) to manage classification data.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to classification errors.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.