How To Fix KE688 - Substitute fields for &1 could not be created

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KE -

• Message number: 688

• Message text: Substitute fields for &1 could not be created

What causes this issue?

Due to its technical attributes, field &V1& cannot be used in
Profitability Analysis. To replace it, the system tried to generate
fields that can be used in Profitability Analysis. However, this was
unsuccessful.

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?

See the log under "Backup". It may contain messages that describe the
cause of the error in greater detail.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KE688 - Substitute fields for &1 could not be created ?

  The SAP error message KE688, which states "Substitute fields for &1 could not be created," typically occurs in the context of Profitability Analysis (CO-PA) when there is an issue with the configuration of substitute fields in the system. Substitute fields are used to derive values for characteristics in CO-PA when the original values are not available.
  Cause:
  The error can be caused by several factors, including:
  
  
  Missing Configuration: The substitute fields may not be properly configured in the system. This can happen if the necessary settings for the characteristics or the substitute fields are incomplete or incorrect.
  
  
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies in the data that prevent the system from creating the substitute fields. This could be due to missing master data or incorrect entries.
  
  
  Technical Issues: There could be underlying technical issues, such as problems with the database or issues with the transport of configuration settings.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to create or modify substitute fields.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the KE688 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for CO-PA and verify that the substitute fields are correctly defined.
  Ensure that all necessary characteristics and their corresponding substitute fields are set up properly.
  
  
  
  Review Master Data:
  
  Check if all required master data is available and correctly maintained. This includes checking for missing or incorrect entries in the relevant tables.
  
  
  
  Analyze Logs:
  
  Use transaction codes like SLG1 (Application Log) to check for any detailed error logs that might provide more context about the issue.
  
  
  
  Test with Different Data:
  
  Try running the process with different data to see if the issue persists. This can help identify if the problem is data-specific.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to create or modify substitute fields.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that might address this specific error. There may be patches or updates that resolve known issues.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as KE4S (for CO-PA planning) and KE30 (for CO-PA reports) to help in troubleshooting.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to CO-PA and substitute fields for a deeper understanding of how they function and how to configure them correctly.
  Community Forums: Check SAP Community forums or other user groups for similar issues and solutions shared by other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the KE688 error in your SAP system.