How To Fix KM631 - Characteristic & can only be used in the general selections

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KM - Error messages for Profit Center Accounting

• Message number: 631

• Message text: Characteristic & can only be used in the general selections

What causes this issue?

You used characteristic &V1& in the definition of columns or rows in
the planning layout. This is not permitted.

How to fix this error?

Remove characteristic &V1& from all rows and columns. You can use
characteristic &V1& in the general selections instead (in the header of
the planning layout).

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KM631 - Characteristic & can only be used in the general selections ?

  The SAP error message KM631 ("Characteristic & can only be used in the general selections") typically occurs in the context of SAP's Controlling (CO) module, particularly when working with characteristics in the context of reporting or analysis. This error indicates that a specific characteristic cannot be used in the context you are trying to apply it to, often due to restrictions on how that characteristic can be utilized in queries or reports.
  Cause:
  
  Characteristic Restrictions: The characteristic you are trying to use is defined in a way that limits its application to general selections only. This means it cannot be used in certain types of reports or queries that require more specific selections.
  Query Design: The query or report you are trying to run may not be designed to accommodate the specific characteristic you are using.
  Data Model: The underlying data model may not support the use of that characteristic in the context you are attempting.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Characteristic Definition: Review the definition of the characteristic in the SAP system. Ensure that it is set up correctly and that it is intended for the type of selection you are trying to make.
  Use General Selections: If the characteristic is limited to general selections, modify your query or report to use it in a way that complies with this restriction. This may involve changing the selection criteria or the structure of the report.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on how to properly use the characteristic in question.
  Modify Query: If you have access to the query designer, consider modifying the query to remove the characteristic or replace it with one that is compatible with the desired selection criteria.
  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 specific guidance based on your system configuration.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional context on the characteristic in question.
  Training and Documentation: Review training materials or documentation related to SAP CO and reporting to better understand how to work with characteristics and selections.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the KM631 error and successfully work with the characteristics in your SAP environment.