How To Fix KE/AD816 - Characteristic value for character & is different than master data

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KE/AD -

• Message number: 816

• Message text: Characteristic value for character & is different than master data

What causes this issue?

The characteristic value "&v2&" for the characteristic "&v1&" differs
from characteristic value "&v3&" determined in the master data (such as
the customer master, the material master or the sales and distribution
document).

How to fix this error?

This is just for your information. Postings to Profitability Analysis
take place using characteristic value "&v2&".
You should discuss with those responsible for the "Profitability
Analysis" module whether this is desirable. You may need to change your
entry for characteristic "&v1&". You can change it manually in the
assignment screen. Alternatively, if the field is locked against
entries, you can change the entry in the source document, such as the
sales order, FI document or CO order.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KE/AD816 - Characteristic value for character & is different than master data ?

  The SAP error message KE/AD816 indicates that there is a mismatch between the characteristic value being used in a transaction and the characteristic value defined in the master data. This typically occurs in the context of Profitability Analysis (CO-PA) when you are trying to post or analyze data that involves characteristics that have been defined in the system.
  Cause:
  
  
  Mismatch in Characteristic Values: The characteristic value you are trying to use in your transaction does not match the value defined in the master data. This could be due to:
  
  Typographical errors in the characteristic value.
  The characteristic value not being maintained in the master data.
  Changes in the master data that have not been reflected in the transaction data.
  
  
  
  Data Consistency Issues: If the master data has been updated or changed, and the transaction data has not been updated accordingly, this can lead to inconsistencies.
  
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The configuration settings for the characteristics in the CO-PA module may not be set up correctly, leading to validation errors.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Verify Characteristic Values: Check the characteristic value you are trying to use against the master data. Ensure that it is spelled correctly and matches exactly.
  
  
  Update Master Data: If the characteristic value is valid but not present in the master data, you may need to add it to the master data. This can be done through the appropriate transaction codes (e.g., transaction KE52 for changing master data).
  
  
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings for the characteristics in the CO-PA module to ensure they are set up correctly. This may involve checking the settings in the customizing (SPRO) for CO-PA.
  
  
  Data Consistency Check: Run consistency checks to identify any discrepancies between master data and transaction data. This can help in identifying any other potential issues.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling characteristic values in CO-PA.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as KE52 (Change Profitability Segment), KE53 (Display Profitability Segment), and KE30 (Report for CO-PA).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for additional insights or patches that may address known issues.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to master data or configuration settings.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the KE/AD816 error and ensure that your characteristic values are consistent across your SAP system.