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

SAP Error Message - Details

• 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 selections on period characteristics. This can happen if the query is set to aggregate data over a certain period and then a different period is selected.
  
  
  Data Model Constraints: The underlying data model may have constraints that prevent varying selections for certain characteristics, particularly if they are linked to time-based data.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Review Selection Criteria: Check the selection criteria in your report or query. Ensure that you are not trying to filter on a period characteristic in a way that conflicts with the aggregation level of the data.
  
  
  Adjust Query Settings: If you are using a query in SAP BW, review the settings of the query. You may need to adjust the properties of the period characteristic to allow for the desired selection.
  
  
  Use Consistent Periods: Ensure that the periods you are selecting are consistent with the aggregation level of the data. For example, if you are aggregating data by year, do not try to filter by month unless the query is designed to handle that.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling period characteristics in your version of SAP.
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for assistance, as they may have more insights into the specific configuration of your system.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional context.
  Query Designer: Familiarize yourself with the Query Designer in SAP BW, as it provides tools to manage characteristics and their selection criteria.
  Training Resources: Consider training resources or documentation on SAP BW reporting and query design to better understand how to work with period characteristics.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the GR386 error and successfully execute your report or query.