How To Fix M5251 - The key figure <&1> can only be represented as a percentage value!

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 251

• Message text: The key figure <&1> can only be represented as a percentage value!

What causes this issue?

The chosen key figure cannot be displayed as a percentage.

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?

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 M5251 - The key figure <&1> can only be represented as a percentage value! ?

  The SAP error message M5251 indicates that a specific key figure in your report or analysis is expected to be represented as a percentage value, but it is being processed in a way that does not conform to this requirement. This error typically arises in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP Analytics, where key figures are defined with specific data types and formats.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Key Figure Configuration: The key figure in question may be configured incorrectly in the InfoObject or in the query definition. It might be set to a numeric format instead of a percentage.
  Data Type Mismatch: The data being fed into the key figure may not be in the expected format. For example, if the data is being aggregated or calculated in a way that does not yield a percentage, this error can occur.
  Query Design Issues: The query might be designed in a way that does not align with the expected output for the key figure, such as using it in a context where a percentage is not applicable.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Key Figure Definition: Go to the InfoObject definition of the key figure and ensure that it is set to the correct data type (percentage). You can do this in the SAP BW modeling tools.
  Review Query Design: If you are using a BEx query, check the query design to ensure that the key figure is being used correctly. Make sure that it is not being aggregated or calculated in a way that would yield a non-percentage value.
  Data Validation: Validate the data being loaded into the key figure. Ensure that the data source is providing values that can be interpreted as percentages.
  Adjust Calculations: If the key figure is derived from calculations, ensure that the calculations are set up to yield a percentage. This may involve adjusting formulas or the way data is aggregated.
  Test in Different Contexts: If the error occurs in a specific report or analysis, try running the query in different contexts or with different filters to see if the issue persists.
  
  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.
  Documentation: Review the SAP BW documentation for best practices on key figure definitions and query design.
  Community 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.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the M5251 error and implement a solution to resolve it.