How To Fix IR040 - Only characteristics with a numerical format can be used

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IR - PM: IMRC - Measurement Readings and Counters

• Message number: 040

• Message text: Only characteristics with a numerical format can be used

What causes this issue?

You have entered a <GL:characteristic>characteristic</> that does not
have a numerical format.

System Response

INCLUDE 'KEINE-VERARBEITUNG' OBJECT DOKU ID TX LANGUAGE E

How to fix this error?

Enter a characteristic with a numerical format.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IR040 - Only characteristics with a numerical format can be used ?

  The SAP error message IR040 ("Only characteristics with a numerical format can be used") typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI (Business Intelligence) when you are trying to perform operations that require numerical characteristics, but the characteristics you are using are not in a numerical format.
  Cause:
  
  Non-Numerical Characteristics: The characteristic you are trying to use in a calculation, aggregation, or query is defined as a non-numerical type (e.g., text, date, etc.).
  Incorrect Data Type: The data type of the characteristic does not match the expected numerical format required for the operation you are attempting.
  Modeling Issues: There may be issues in the data model or InfoObject definitions where the characteristic is not set up correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Definition:
  
  Go to the InfoObject maintenance in SAP BW and check the definition of the characteristic you are using. Ensure that it is defined as a numerical type (e.g., Integer, Decimal).
  
  
  
  Use Appropriate Characteristics:
  
  If you need to perform calculations, ensure that you are using characteristics that are specifically defined as numerical. Replace any non-numerical characteristics with the correct numerical ones.
  
  
  
  Data Type Conversion:
  
  If you need to use a non-numerical characteristic, consider converting it to a numerical format if applicable. This may involve creating a new calculated field or InfoObject that can handle the conversion.
  
  
  
  Check Query Design:
  
  If the error occurs in a query, review the query design to ensure that the key figures and characteristics used in the query are compatible. Remove or replace any non-numerical characteristics from calculations or aggregations.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on the characteristics and data types used in your version of SAP BW/BI.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  Training and Documentation: Consider reviewing training materials or documentation related to SAP BW/BI modeling and query design to better understand how to work with characteristics and data types.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the IR040 error and ensure that you are using the correct characteristics for your operations in SAP.