How To Fix M2502 - & : Key figure hierarchy is higher than the characteristics

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 502

• Message text: & : Key figure hierarchy is higher than the characteristics

What causes this issue?

A key figure is to be updated from a certain document hierarchy.
However, the characteristics of the info structure are updated from a
subordinate document hierarchy by means of update type 'A' (cumulativ)
or 'C' (counter).
For this reason, the key figure may be updated more than once.
Example:
You want to update a key figure from the document header. However, the
characteristics (or at least one characteristic) are determined from
the document item. This means that a statistics update of the key
figure occurs for every document item. The key figure will be updated
as many times as there are items in the document.
Note that specifying the date field to determine the period in which
the key figure is to be cumulated, will also be regarded as a
characteristic.
Example:
You want to update a key figure from the document item. To determine
the period, select a date from the schedule line. This means that the
key figure will be updated as often as there are schedules lines for an
item, since the different data from the different schedule lines leads
to different updates.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

There are two possibilities:
1. Take a key figure from the same (or a more subordinate) document
hierarchy as the lowest hierarchy of the characteristics.
2. Define a formula, with which the key figure value, according to the
update, can be broken down to the lowest hierarchies. As a result, item
values, for example, which should be updated to schedule line data, due
to the relationship between item quantity and schedule line quantity,
can be divided up on the schedules lines.
Caution!
If you use a formula that processes a source field (= source field and
formula are given), check whether information from lower hierarchies
than the one in the source field is processed in the formula as well.
In this case, you must maintain the hierarchy field in the enhanced
update rules with this lower hierachy.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M2502 - & : Key figure hierarchy is higher than the characteristics ?

  The SAP error message M2502, which states "Key figure hierarchy is higher than the characteristics," typically occurs in the context of SAP's planning and reporting functionalities, particularly when working with key figures and characteristics in a planning environment (like SAP Integrated Business Planning or SAP BW).
  Cause:
  This error generally arises when there is a mismatch between the levels of aggregation of key figures and the characteristics in a planning model. Specifically, it indicates that the key figure hierarchy (the structure or level at which key figures are defined) is at a higher level than the characteristics being used in the planning or reporting process. This can happen due to:
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The key figure may be defined at a higher aggregation level than the characteristics, leading to inconsistencies.
  Data Model Issues: The data model may not be properly aligned, causing the system to expect certain characteristics that are not present at the key figure level.
  Planning Sequence Issues: The planning sequence may not be correctly set up to handle the relationships between key figures and characteristics.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the M2502 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Key Figure and Characteristic Definitions:
  
  Review the definitions of the key figures and characteristics in your planning model. Ensure that they are aligned in terms of their aggregation levels.
  
  
  
  Adjust the Data Model:
  
  If there are discrepancies in the data model, consider adjusting the hierarchy or the characteristics to ensure they match the expected levels.
  
  
  
  Review Planning Sequences:
  
  Check the planning sequences to ensure they are correctly configured to handle the relationships between key figures and characteristics. Make sure that the planning sequence is set up to aggregate data correctly.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on configuring key figures and characteristics in your version of SAP.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making adjustments, test the planning or reporting process again to ensure that the error has been resolved.
  
  
  
  Seek Support:
  
  If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide more tailored assistance based on your specific configuration and environment.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums where other users may have encountered similar issues and can share their solutions.
  Training and Documentation: Consider additional training or reviewing documentation on SAP planning and reporting to better understand the relationships between key figures and characteristics.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the M2502 error and implement a solution to resolve it.