How To Fix DS187 - Variant &1 for program &2 does not exist in system &3

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DS - Messages for Editing Text Elements in ABAP Programs

• Message number: 187

• Message text: Variant &1 for program &2 does not exist in system &3

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DS187 - Variant &1 for program &2 does not exist in system &3 ?

  The SAP error message DS187 indicates that a specific variant for a report or program does not exist in the specified system. This error typically arises when a user attempts to execute a report or transaction that relies on a variant that has not been created or is not available in the current system.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Variant: The specified variant (identified by &1) for the program (identified by &2) does not exist in the system (identified by &3).
  Incorrect System: The variant may exist in a different client or system, but not in the one you are currently logged into.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the variant.
  Transport Issues: If the variant was created in a development environment and not transported to the production environment, it may not be available.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Variant Existence:
  
  Go to the transaction code for the program (e.g., SE38 or SA38) and check if the variant exists.
  Use the "Variants" button to see if the specified variant is listed.
  
  
  
  Create the Variant:
  
  If the variant does not exist, you can create it by executing the program and saving the desired selection criteria as a new variant.
  
  
  
  Check Client:
  
  Ensure you are in the correct client. Variants are client-specific, so if you are in a different client, switch to the correct one.
  
  
  
  Transport the Variant:
  
  If the variant exists in a different environment (like development), ensure that it is transported to the target environment (like production).
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Verify that you have the necessary authorizations to access the variant. You may need to contact your SAP security team if you suspect authorization issues.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Check the documentation or help files related to the specific program to see if there are any additional requirements or known issues.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: SE38 (ABAP Editor), SA38 (Execute Program), SE93 (Transaction Codes).
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address specific issues related to variants and programs.
  User Roles: Ensure that user roles and profiles are correctly assigned to allow access to the required variants.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or technical team for further investigation.