How To Fix KG550 - Value "&" is not allowed for characteristic "&"

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KG - CO-PA Planning

• Message number: 550

• Message text: Value "&" is not allowed for characteristic "&"

What causes this issue?

You have selected an invalid characteristic value.
In order to ensure that the plan structure is consistent, the system
requires that all the nodes that lie directly below the same node (at
the same level) represent different characteristic values of the same
characteristic.
In addition, a characteristic can only occur at one level of one branch
of the hierarchy.

System Response

This characteristic value is not allowed.

How to fix this error?

Check your structure again and, if necessary, select a different
characteristic value.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KG550 - Value "&" is not allowed for characteristic "&" ?

  The SAP error message KG550 indicates that a specific value is not allowed for a characteristic in the context of a planning or controlling scenario, typically related to the use of characteristics in SAP's CO-PA (Controlling-Profitability Analysis) or other planning modules.
  Cause:
  
  
  Invalid Value: The value you are trying to assign to a characteristic is not defined or allowed in the system. This could be due to:
  
  The value not being part of the allowed set of values for that characteristic.
  The characteristic being restricted to certain values based on configuration settings.
  
  
  
  Master Data Issues: The characteristic may not have been properly set up in the master data, or the value may not exist in the master data.
  
  
  Configuration Settings: The configuration for the characteristic may not allow the value you are trying to use. This could be due to settings in the characteristic definition or in the planning layout.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Allowed Values: Verify the allowed values for the characteristic in the configuration settings. You can do this by:
  
  Navigating to the relevant configuration area in SAP (e.g., SPRO) and checking the settings for the characteristic.
  Reviewing the characteristic's master data to ensure the value you are trying to use is valid.
  
  
  
  Update Master Data: If the value is indeed valid but not present in the master data, you may need to add it. This can involve:
  
  Creating or updating the master data records to include the new value.
  Ensuring that the value is correctly assigned to the characteristic.
  
  
  
  Review Planning Layout: If you are working within a planning layout, ensure that the layout is correctly configured to accept the values you are trying to input.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the characteristic and its allowed values.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide more tailored assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like KE52 (Change Profitability Segment) or KEDR (Display Planning) to check or modify the relevant data.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address known issues or provide additional guidance on this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to the characteristic or its values.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the KG550 error and implement a solution to resolve it.