How To Fix CX246 - Specify either ascending or descending order

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CX - Nachrichten für Konfigurationsprozess

• Message number: 246

• Message text: Specify either ascending or descending order

What causes this issue?

You have not entered a sort sequence for the characteristic. However,
you have to decide between ascending and descending order for the sort
sequence.
The sort sequence determines whether the objects in the search result
are sorted in ascending or descending order of characteristic values.
werden.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Please select a sort sequence.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CX246 - Specify either ascending or descending order ?

  The SAP error message CX246, which states "Specify either ascending or descending order," typically occurs when a sorting operation is attempted without a specified order. This can happen in various contexts within SAP, such as when working with internal tables, database queries, or reports.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when a sorting function is called without explicitly defining whether the sorting should be in ascending or descending order. In ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming), sorting operations require a clear indication of the desired order.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to specify the sorting order in your code. Here’s how you can do it:
  
  
  Check the Sorting Statement: If you are using the SORT statement in ABAP, ensure that you include either ASCENDING or DESCENDING in your sort command. For example:
  SORT it_table BY field_name ASCENDING.
  or
  SORT it_table BY field_name DESCENDING.
  
  
  Review Database Queries: If the error arises from a database query, ensure that the ORDER BY clause specifies the order. For example:
  SELECT * FROM table_name ORDER BY field_name ASC.
  
  
  Check Report Settings: If the error occurs in a report, check the report settings or parameters to ensure that the sorting order is defined.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for the SORT statement and other related commands to understand the syntax and options available.
  Debugging: Use the ABAP debugger to trace where the error occurs in your code. This can help you identify the specific sorting operation that is missing the order specification.
  SAP Community: If you need further assistance, consider reaching out to the SAP Community forums where you can find discussions and solutions related to similar issues.
  
  By ensuring that you specify the sorting order in your code, you should be able to resolve the CX246 error effectively.