How To Fix G00538 - Product group usage: Custom characteristic as subassignment missing

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: G00 - SAP Consolidation

• Message number: 538

• Message text: Product group usage: Custom characteristic as subassignment missing

What causes this issue?

In order to read inventory data from the totals database, the global
system settings must contain the product group usage 'Custom
characteristic as subassignment'.

System Response

Processing terminated

How to fix this error?

Edit the global system settings.

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 G00538 - Product group usage: Custom characteristic as subassignment missing ?

  The SAP error message G00538, which states "Product group usage: Custom characteristic as subassignment missing," typically occurs in the context of product group assignments in SAP, particularly when dealing with characteristics in the classification system.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when there is a mismatch or missing assignment of a custom characteristic to a product group. Specifically, it indicates that a required custom characteristic that should be linked to a product group is not properly assigned or defined in the system. This can happen due to:
  
  Missing Custom Characteristic: The custom characteristic that is expected to be linked to the product group is not created or is not active.
  Incorrect Configuration: The configuration settings for the product group or the characteristics may not be set up correctly.
  Data Inconsistency: There may be inconsistencies in the data where the product group is expecting certain characteristics that are not present.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the G00538 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Custom Characteristics:
  
  Go to the classification system in SAP and verify that the custom characteristic in question exists and is active.
  Ensure that the characteristic is correctly defined with the appropriate data type and values.
  
  
  
  Review Product Group Configuration:
  
  Navigate to the configuration settings for the product group and check if the custom characteristic is assigned correctly.
  Use transaction codes like CL02 (Change Class) or CL03 (Display Class) to review the characteristics assigned to the product group.
  
  
  
  Assign Missing Characteristics:
  
  If the custom characteristic is missing, you may need to create it or assign it to the relevant product group.
  Use transaction code CL01 (Create Class) to create a new class if necessary and assign the custom characteristic.
  
  
  
  Check for Data Consistency:
  
  Ensure that all relevant data entries are consistent and that there are no missing links between product groups and their characteristics.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on product group and characteristic assignments.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the configuration by attempting to perform the action that previously triggered the error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CL01, CL02, CL03, and CL24 (for class management).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to characteristics and product groups.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for additional insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the G00538 error in your SAP system.