How To Fix FCO_COPA208 - Characteristic &1 (&2) is only realigned, if not filled -> See long text

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FCO_COPA - SFIN message class for CO-PA relevant issues

• Message number: 208

• Message text: Characteristic &1 (&2) is only realigned, if not filled -> See long text

What causes this issue?

You want to realign characteristic &V1& (&V2&). Since you have activated
account-based profitability analysis, the account-based line items are
posted to G/L line item table ACDOCA.
The characteristics in the account-based line items are realigned as
well in most cases. However, certain characteristics are only updated in
in the account-based line items if they are initial, as otherwise this
could lead to undesired side effects. Such characteristics are:
Account assignments COPA_KOSTL (cost center), PSPNR (WBS element),
RKAUFNR (internal order), KAUFN / KDPOS (sales order and sales order
item) and KSTRG (cost object)
Fields KNDNR (customer), VKORG (sales organization), VTWEG (distribution
channel), SPART (division), WERKS (plant) and FKART (billing type)
Note that
characteristics KAUFN and KDPOS can only be filled in the account-based
line items by using option <LS>Rederivation of ACDOCA Characteristics
for Attributed Line Items</>. Changes in profitability segments could
lead to undesired side effects as these are used in logistical
processes. Hence these two characteristics cannot be selected for
setting fixed values or rederivation.
characteristic KNDNR (customer) is <LS>always</> updated in case the
account-based line item contains a true account assignment to
profitability segment.

System Response

Characteristic &V1& is only updated in the profitability segments but
not in the account-based line items in case a value is already contained
in the line item to be realigned.

How to fix this error?

Note that this behavior may lead to unexpected results in your
profitability reporting regarding characteristic &V1&. Reporting will
still show the originally posted values in this case.
More information can be found in the online help under <LS>Profitability
Analysis -> Simplified Profitability Analysis -> Structures and Master
Data -> Master Data -> Realignment</>.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FCO_COPA208 - Characteristic &1 (&2) is only realigned, if not filled -> See long text ?

  The SAP error message FCO_COPA208 indicates that a characteristic in the Controlling Profitability Analysis (CO-PA) module is being realigned, but it cannot be processed because it is already filled with data. This typically occurs during the process of data realignment or when trying to adjust characteristics in CO-PA.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to realign a characteristic that already has values assigned to it. In CO-PA, realignment is a process used to adjust or correct the assignment of characteristics to ensure that the data is accurate and reflects the current business structure. However, if the characteristic is already populated with data, the system prevents the realignment to avoid data inconsistencies.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Values: Review the characteristic mentioned in the error message to see if it has existing values. If it does, you may need to clear or adjust these values before proceeding with the realignment.
  
  
  Data Deletion: If appropriate, you can delete the existing data for that characteristic. Be cautious with this step, as it may lead to data loss. Ensure that you have backups or that the data can be recreated if necessary.
  
  
  Adjust Realignment Settings: If the characteristic should not be realigned when it is filled, you may need to adjust the settings in the realignment configuration to allow for this behavior.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help files for more detailed information on the specific characteristic and the realignment process.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They can provide guidance based on the specific configuration and data in your system.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as KE4S (Realignment of CO-PA Data) and KE30 (Report for CO-PA).
  Long Text: The error message suggests checking the long text for additional details. You can usually find this by clicking on the message or using the message number in the SAP system to access more information.
  Data Consistency: Always ensure that your data is consistent and that any changes made to characteristics are well-documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the FCO_COPA208 error and proceed with your CO-PA realignment tasks.