How To Fix M5172 - Only character key figures are available in the initial list

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M5 - LIS: Standard Analyses (Inventory Controlling Doc. Analysis)

• Message number: 172

• Message text: Only character key figures are available in the initial list

What causes this issue?

Only character key figures have been selected in the basic list of the
standard analysis.

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?

Character key figures cannot be graphically displayed.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M5172 - Only character key figures are available in the initial list ?

  The SAP error message M5172, which states "Only character key figures are available in the initial list," typically occurs in the context of SAP's reporting and analysis tools, particularly when dealing with key figures in a report or query.
  Cause:
  This error message usually indicates that the report or query you are trying to execute is attempting to display key figures that are not compatible with the data type expected. Specifically, it suggests that the key figures being referenced are character-based, and the system is unable to process them in the context of the report or analysis you are attempting to perform.
  Solution:
  To resolve this issue, you can consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Key Figure Definitions: Review the definitions of the key figures you are trying to use in your report. Ensure that they are defined correctly and are of the appropriate data type (numeric vs. character).
  
  
  Modify the Query/Report: If the report or query is designed to display numeric key figures, ensure that you are only including numeric key figures in the selection. Remove any character key figures from the initial list or selection criteria.
  
  
  Use Character Key Figures Appropriately: If you need to work with character key figures, ensure that your report or analysis is designed to handle them. This may involve changing the report layout or using a different reporting tool that supports character key figures.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling key figures in your version of SAP. This can provide insights into best practices and limitations.
  
  
  Check for Updates: Ensure that your SAP system is up to date, as there may be patches or updates that address issues related to reporting and key figures.
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for further assistance. They may have additional insights or solutions based on your specific configuration and usage.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Key Figures: In SAP, key figures are quantitative measures used in reporting and analysis. They can be numeric (e.g., sales amounts) or character-based (e.g., product categories).
  Reporting Tools: Familiarize yourself with the reporting tools available in SAP, such as SAP BW, SAP Analytics Cloud, or SAP Query, as they may have different capabilities regarding key figures.
  Data Types: Understanding the difference between character and numeric data types in SAP can help prevent similar issues in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the M5172 error and successfully generate your report or query.