How To Fix DBMAN368 - Characteristic attribute exists twice

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DBMAN - Data Manager Message Class

• Message number: 368

• Message text: Characteristic attribute exists twice

What causes this issue?

While updating to the E fact table at least one characteristic
attribute was changed multiple times. This is caused by an inconsistency
in the E fact table. There are usually multiple entries for one
characteristic attribute in the E fact table

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?

Check the E fact table for multiple entries for one characteristic
attribute. A correction of the dataset for the E fact table should
only be done in consultation with SAP Support.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DBMAN368 - Characteristic attribute exists twice ?

  The SAP error message DBMAN368, which states "Characteristic attribute exists twice," typically occurs in the context of data modeling or when working with characteristics in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP HANA. This error indicates that there is a duplication of a characteristic attribute within a data model or InfoObject.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Definition: The most common cause of this error is that the same characteristic attribute has been defined more than once in the same InfoObject or data model.
  Data Model Issues: If you are working with a composite provider or a calculation view, there may be overlapping definitions or joins that result in the same attribute being included multiple times.
  Incorrect Data Source: If you are using multiple data sources that have overlapping attributes, this can also lead to duplication.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check InfoObject Definition: 
  
  Go to the InfoObject in question and check the attributes defined. Ensure that no attribute is defined more than once.
  If duplicates are found, remove or rename the duplicate attributes.
  
  
  
  Review Data Model:
  
  If you are working with a composite provider or calculation view, review the joins and ensure that the same characteristic is not being pulled in from multiple sources.
  Adjust the joins or the selection of fields to eliminate duplicates.
  
  
  
  Adjust Data Source:
  
  If the error arises from a data source, check the underlying tables or views to ensure that they do not contain overlapping attributes.
  Modify the data source to ensure that each attribute is unique.
  
  
  
  Rebuild or Refresh:
  
  After making the necessary changes, you may need to rebuild or refresh the data model or InfoObject to ensure that the changes take effect.
  
  
  
  Check for Transport Issues:
  
  If this issue arose after a transport, ensure that the transport did not inadvertently introduce duplicates.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or patches related to this error. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common issues.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on InfoObjects, data modeling, and attribute handling to better understand how to structure your data models without duplication.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels where other users may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the DBMAN368 error in your SAP environment.