How To Fix DMS_MESSAGES018 - Characteristic &1 does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DMS_MESSAGES -

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Characteristic &1 does not exist

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DMS_MESSAGES018 - Characteristic &1 does not exist ?

  The SAP error message DMS_MESSAGES018 indicates that a specific characteristic (denoted by &1) does not exist in the system. This error typically arises in the context of Document Management System (DMS) or when dealing with characteristics in classification or variant configuration.
  Cause:
  
  Non-Existent Characteristic: The characteristic you are trying to use has not been created in the system.
  Typographical Error: There may be a typo in the characteristic name or ID you are referencing.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the characteristic.
  Incorrect Configuration: The characteristic may not be assigned to the relevant class or object type.
  Transport Issues: If the characteristic was recently created in a development environment, it may not have been transported to the production environment.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Existence:
  
  Go to the transaction code CT04 (for characteristics) and verify if the characteristic exists in the system.
  If it does not exist, you will need to create it.
  
  
  
  Verify Typographical Errors:
  
  Double-check the spelling and syntax of the characteristic name or ID in your code or configuration.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the characteristic. This can be checked in transaction SU53 or by consulting with your security team.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  If the characteristic is supposed to be part of a class, check the class configuration in transaction CL02 to ensure that the characteristic is correctly assigned.
  
  
  
  Transport Check:
  
  If the characteristic was created in a development environment, ensure that it has been properly transported to the target environment (e.g., production). You can check the transport logs for any issues.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review any relevant documentation or notes related to the specific characteristic or the process you are working on.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CT04: Create/Change Characteristic
  CL02: Change Class
  SU53: Display Authorization Check
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to DMS or characteristics.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for additional insights or similar issues faced by other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement the appropriate solution.