How To Fix MA017 - Characteristic definition screen has not been defined

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MA - Sales and Operations Planning

• Message number: 017

• Message text: Characteristic definition screen has not been defined

What causes this issue?

No screen number has been specified as the initial screen in table
T445P, and no generated initial screen could be determined.

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?

Regenerate the info structure or define an initial screen in table
T445P.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MA017 - Characteristic definition screen has not been defined ?

  The SAP error message MA017, which states "Characteristic definition screen has not been defined," typically occurs in the context of Material Management (MM) or Production Planning (PP) modules when the system is unable to find a defined screen for a characteristic in the classification system.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Characteristic Definition: The characteristic that you are trying to use has not been defined in the system.
  Incorrect Configuration: The configuration for the classification system may not be set up correctly, leading to the absence of a screen definition for the characteristic.
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the characteristic definition screen.
  Transport Issues: If the characteristic was recently transported from another system (like Development to Production), it may not have been properly transported or activated.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Define the Characteristic:
  
  Go to the transaction code CT04 (Characteristic Maintenance).
  Check if the characteristic exists. If it does not, create a new characteristic and ensure that it is properly defined.
  Make sure to assign the appropriate data type and values.
  
  
  
  Check Screen Definition:
  
  In the characteristic maintenance screen, ensure that the "Screen" field is filled out correctly. This field should point to a valid screen definition.
  If necessary, create or modify the screen definition using transaction CT05 (Screen Maintenance).
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration settings for the classification system in transaction SPRO. Navigate to the relevant sections for Material Management or Production Planning and ensure that all necessary settings are correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the characteristic definition. This can be done by checking the user roles and authorizations in transaction SU01.
  
  
  
  Transport Check:
  
  If the characteristic was recently transported, ensure that the transport request was successfully imported and that all objects are active in the target system.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for additional guidance on characteristic definitions and screen settings.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CT04: Characteristic Maintenance
  CT05: Screen Maintenance
  SPRO: Customizing (Configuration)
  SU01: User Maintenance
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Community Forums: Consider visiting SAP Community forums or other user groups where similar issues may have been discussed.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MA017 error and ensure that the characteristic definition screen is properly set up in your SAP system.