How To Fix DS189 - Program &1 can only be started using a variant in system &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 189

• Message text: Program &1 can only be started using a variant in system &2

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DS189 - Program &1 can only be started using a variant in system &2 ?

  The SAP error message DS189 indicates that a specific program (denoted as &1) can only be executed using a variant in a particular system (denoted as &2). This error typically arises when a user attempts to run a report or program without specifying the required variant, or when the variant is not available in the current system.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Variant: The program requires a specific variant to run, and the user has not provided one.
  Incorrect System: The variant may exist in a different system (e.g., development or quality assurance) but not in the production system where the user is trying to execute the program.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the variant in the specified system.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Use a Variant: Ensure that you are executing the program with the correct variant. You can do this by:
  
  Going to the transaction code for the program.
  Selecting the appropriate variant from the dropdown list or creating a new one if necessary.
  
  
  
  Check Variant Availability: Verify that the required variant exists in the system you are working in. You can do this by:
  
  Navigating to the variant management screen (transaction code SE38 or SA38).
  Entering the program name and checking the available variants.
  
  
  
  Create or Transport the Variant: If the variant is missing in the current system:
  
  If you have access, create the variant in the current system.
  If the variant exists in another system, consider transporting it to the current system using the transport management system (TMS).
  
  
  
  Authorization Check: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to access the variant. If you suspect authorization issues, contact your SAP security team to verify your permissions.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SE38: ABAP Editor (to run programs)
  SA38: Execute Report (to run reports)
  SE93: Transaction Codes (to check transaction codes related to programs)
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on managing variants and executing programs.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to the program or variant management.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DS189 error and successfully execute the program with the required variant.