How To Fix M2479 - & : hierarchy only if source field not specified

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M2 - LIS: Generating and updating info structures

• Message number: 479

• Message text: & : hierarchy only if source field not specified

What causes this issue?

Indicating a hierarchy is only necessary when no source field has been
specified. If you have indicated a source field, the system
automatically determines the hierarchy.

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

Exception:
If a source field is specified and if this source field is to be
processed by a formula, then a hierarchy can be specified. This is
necessary if fields from lower hierarchies than that of the source
field are also used in the formula.
Using the hierarchy:
The hierarchy determines the data required from the document in order
to update the key figure correctly. If you specify a hierarchy that is
too high, not all of the data from the document will be made available
for the statistics update.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M2479 - & : hierarchy only if source field not specified ?

  The SAP error message M2479, which states "Hierarchy only if source field not specified," typically occurs in the context of material master data or when dealing with hierarchical data structures in SAP. This error indicates that there is an issue with how the data is being processed, particularly in relation to the source fields and the hierarchy settings.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to use a hierarchy in a context where a source field is expected to be specified. In SAP, hierarchies are often used to organize data in a structured manner, but they can only be applied under certain conditions. If a source field is defined, the system expects that the data will be processed based on that field rather than a hierarchy.
  Solution:
  To resolve the M2479 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Configuration: Review the configuration settings for the material master or the relevant data structure. Ensure that the hierarchy settings are correctly defined and that they align with the source fields being used.
  
  
  Specify Source Fields: If you intend to use a hierarchy, ensure that you do not specify a source field. If a source field is necessary for your process, then you should not use a hierarchy.
  
  
  Review Data Input: Check the data input for the transaction or process that triggered the error. Make sure that the input aligns with the expected format and that you are not mixing hierarchical and non-hierarchical data.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the hierarchy settings and source fields relevant to your version of SAP.
  
  
  Testing: After making adjustments, test the process again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that may help in troubleshooting or configuring material master data, such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), and MM03 (Display Material).
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed. Other users may have encountered the same error and can provide insights or solutions.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or a consultant for further assistance.