How To Fix GC281 - The combination of additional field characteristics is not valid

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GC - Error Messages for Consolidation/Extended General Ledger

• Message number: 281

• Message text: The combination of additional field characteristics is not valid

What causes this issue?

Combinations of individual characteristic values for the additional
fields have been defined for additional field type &V1&. This
customer-specific setting denotes the following combination as being
invalid:
&V2& &V3& &V4&

System Response

Processing terminated

How to fix this error?

Use a valid combination of characteristic values for the additional
fields.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GC281 - The combination of additional field characteristics is not valid ?

  The SAP error message GC281, which states "The combination of additional field characteristics is not valid," typically occurs in the context of configuring or using additional fields in SAP, particularly in the context of General Ledger (G/L) accounts or other financial documents. This error indicates that there is an inconsistency or invalid combination of field characteristics that have been defined in the system.
  Causes:
  
  
  Invalid Field Combinations: The error often arises when the additional fields (like user-defined fields) are configured with combinations that are not allowed by the system. For example, certain fields may be mutually exclusive or require specific settings that are not met.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues in the configuration of the additional fields in the Financial Accounting (FI) module or other related modules. This could include incorrect settings in the field status groups or field selection.
  
  
  Data Entry Errors: Users may inadvertently enter data that does not comply with the defined rules for the additional fields, leading to this error.
  
  
  Missing Authorizations: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to access or modify certain fields, which can lead to this error.
  
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Review Field Configuration: Check the configuration of the additional fields in the relevant transaction. Ensure that the combinations of field characteristics are valid and comply with the system's requirements.
  
  
  Field Status Groups: Verify the field status groups assigned to the G/L accounts or other relevant master data. Make sure that the fields are correctly defined and that their statuses (optional, mandatory, suppressed) are set appropriately.
  
  
  Data Validation: Ensure that the data being entered complies with the expected formats and values for the additional fields. Validate the input data against the defined field characteristics.
  
  
  Authorization Check: Confirm that the user has the necessary authorizations to access and modify the fields in question. If not, work with your SAP security team to obtain the required permissions.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the additional fields and their configurations. This can provide insights into valid combinations and settings.
  
  
  Testing: If changes are made to the configuration, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the error does not recur and that the system behaves as expected.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions to common problems.
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as OBC4 (Field Status Variants) or OBC5 (Field Status Groups) to review and modify field settings.
  
  
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed. Other users may have encountered the same error and can provide insights or solutions.
  
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP expert or your organization's SAP support team for further assistance.