How To Fix M2487 - & : characteristic - specify either formula or source field

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 487

• Message text: & : characteristic - specify either formula or source field

Self-Explanatory Message

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To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M2487 - & : characteristic - specify either formula or source field ?

  The SAP error message M2487, which states "Characteristic - specify either formula or source field," typically occurs in the context of Material Management (MM) or Production Planning (PP) when working with characteristics in the context of variant configuration or when defining a material's attributes.
  Cause:
  This error arises when you are trying to define a characteristic in a configuration profile or a material master record, but you have not specified a formula or a source field for that characteristic. In SAP, characteristics can be derived from either a formula (calculated value) or a source field (a value taken from another field or characteristic). If neither is provided, the system cannot determine how to populate the characteristic, leading to this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that each characteristic has either a formula or a source field defined. Here are the steps to do this:
  
  
  Access the Configuration Profile:
  
  Go to the transaction code CU41 (for configuration profiles) or CU42 (for characteristics).
  
  
  
  Select the Characteristic:
  
  Find the characteristic that is causing the error.
  
  
  
  Define a Formula or Source Field:
  
  If you want to use a formula, ensure that you have a valid formula defined for the characteristic.
  If you prefer to use a source field, specify the appropriate field from which the characteristic should derive its value.
  
  
  
  Save Changes:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, save your changes.
  
  
  
  Test the Configuration:
  
  After saving, test the configuration to ensure that the error no longer appears.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CU41 - Create Configuration Profile
  CU42 - Change Characteristics
  CT04 - Create/Change Characteristics
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on characteristics, formulas, and source fields in the context of variant configuration.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might provide additional insights or updates related to this error message.
  
  
  
  User Roles:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to characteristics and configuration profiles.
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the M2487 error and successfully define the characteristics in your SAP system.