How To Fix KX173 - Characteristic value & is already used in the hierarchy

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KX - EC-EIS/EC-BP: Data basis, data collection

• Message number: 173

• Message text: Characteristic value & is already used in the hierarchy

What causes this issue?

A particular characteristic value may only be used once in a hierarchy.
The characteristic value you entered has already been used.

How to fix this error?

Choose another characteristic value.

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 KX173 - Characteristic value & is already used in the hierarchy ?

  The SAP error message KX173 indicates that a characteristic value you are trying to use in a hierarchy is already in use elsewhere in the system. This typically occurs in the context of SAP's classification system or when working with characteristics in a variant configuration scenario.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Characteristic Value: The characteristic value you are trying to assign is already assigned to another node or level in the hierarchy.
  Hierarchy Structure: The hierarchy structure may not allow for the same characteristic value to be used in multiple places, leading to conflicts.
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces data integrity rules to prevent inconsistencies in the hierarchy, which is why it raises this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existing Hierarchies: Review the existing hierarchy to see where the characteristic value is already being used. You can do this by navigating to the relevant hierarchy in the SAP GUI and checking the nodes.
  Modify the Hierarchy: If the characteristic value is indeed used in another node, you may need to either:
  
  Remove it from the existing node if it is not needed there.
  Choose a different characteristic value that is not already in use.
  
  
  Create a New Characteristic Value: If the existing characteristic value is essential in its current location, consider creating a new characteristic value that can be used in the hierarchy.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on managing characteristic values and hierarchies.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like CT04 (to create/change characteristics) and CT05 (to manage characteristic values) to manage your characteristic values.
  Hierarchy Management: Familiarize yourself with the hierarchy management tools in SAP, which can help you visualize and manage the relationships between different characteristic values.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues or provide additional guidance related to this error message.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.