How To Fix DB278 - No authorization to change variant &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DB - Messages for logical databases and background processing

• Message number: 278

• Message text: No authorization to change variant &

What causes this issue?

You tried to change a protected variant. This can only be done by the
variant's creator.

System Response

A protected variant can only be changed by its creator.

How to fix this error?

Contact the creator of the variant or create a corresponding variant
yourself (for example by copying the protected variant).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DB278 - No authorization to change variant & ?

  The SAP error message DB278 "No authorization to change variant &" typically occurs when a user attempts to modify a variant (a saved set of parameters for a report or transaction) but does not have the necessary authorizations to do so. This can happen in various SAP modules where variants are used, such as in reporting or data extraction.
  
  Cause:
  
  Authorization Issues: The user lacks the required authorization object to change the variant. This is often related to the authorization objects S_PROGRAM (for program execution) and S_VARIANT (for variant management).
  Incorrect User Role: The user may not be assigned to the correct role that includes the necessary permissions to modify variants.
  Locked Variants: The variant may be locked by another user or set to be non-editable.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Use transaction code SU53 immediately after the error occurs to check the authorization failure. This will show which specific authorization object is missing.
  Review the user's roles and authorizations