How To Fix GR386 - You cannot vary the selection for the period characteristic

GR386 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GR - Report Writer

• Message number: 386

• Message text: You cannot vary the selection for the period characteristic

What causes this issue?

You tried to activate variation for the period characteristic, which is
not possible for this characteristic.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

If this is a Report Painter report, make sure the setting for the
period characteristic is set to 'Do not explode' in report definition
under 'Edit -> Gen. data selection -> Variation.'
If this is a Report Writer report (although this message would not
normally appear if this were the case), delete the row that belongs to
the period characteristic from the general data selection and then
reinsert it.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GR386 - You cannot vary the selection for the period characteristic ?

  The SAP error message GR386 ("You cannot vary the selection for the period characteristic") typically occurs in the context of reporting or data extraction when there is an issue with the selection criteria for a characteristic that is defined as a period in the system. This error is often encountered in the context of reporting tools like SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or when working with queries in SAP.
  
  Cause:
  
  
  Inconsistent Selection: The error usually arises when there is an attempt to vary the selection for a characteristic that is defined as a period (e.g., fiscal year, month) in a way that is not allowed. For example, if you are trying to filter data by a specific month while also trying to aggregate data over a year, this inconsistency can trigger the error.
  
  
  Query Design: The query or report may have been designed in such a way that it does not allow for varying