How To Fix DBMAN872 - A hierarchy selection with EXCLUDING is not allowed (characteristic: &1)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DBMAN - Data Manager Message Class

• Message number: 872

• Message text: A hierarchy selection with EXCLUDING is not allowed (characteristic: &1)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DBMAN872 - A hierarchy selection with EXCLUDING is not allowed (characteristic: &1) ?

  The SAP error message DBMAN872 indicates that there is an issue with a hierarchy selection in a query or report where the selection is using the "EXCLUDING" option for a characteristic that does not support it. This typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI (Business Intelligence) when working with hierarchies in queries.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by attempting to exclude certain nodes or members from a hierarchy selection for a characteristic that does not allow for exclusion. In SAP BW, certain characteristics are defined in a way that they do not support exclusion from hierarchies, which can lead to this error when a query is executed.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Characteristic: Identify the characteristic mentioned in the error message (represented by &1). Review its hierarchy settings in the InfoObject definition to determine if it supports exclusion.
  
  
  Modify the Query: If the characteristic does not support exclusion, you will need to modify the query or report to remove the exclusion condition. Instead, consider using inclusion or other filtering methods that are compatible with the characteristic.
  
  
  Review Hierarchy Settings: If you believe that exclusion should be allowed, check the hierarchy settings for the characteristic in the InfoObject. You may need to adjust the hierarchy definition or consult with your BW administrator to ensure that the hierarchy is set up correctly.
  
  
  Test the Query: After making the necessary changes, test the query again to ensure that the error is resolved and that the desired data is being retrieved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message. SAP frequently releases notes that provide solutions or workarounds for specific error messages.
  Documentation: Review SAP BW documentation regarding hierarchy handling and query design to better understand the limitations and capabilities of the characteristics you are working with.
  Community Forums: Consider searching or posting in SAP community forums or SAP support channels for additional insights or similar experiences from other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the DBMAN872 error and successfully execute your query or report.