How To Fix MA168 - Number characteristics in the desired order

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MA - Sales and Operations Planning

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Number characteristics in the desired order

What causes this issue?

You have numbered the desired characteristics incorrectly.

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?

Number the characteristics sequentially from 1 to 6, in the order in
which you want to display them.
Example
The characteristics are sales organiziation, distribution channel,
material, and plant. In the header, you want to see first the sales
organization and then the plant. You enter a '1' next to sales
organization and a '2' next to plant. You leave the other fields blank.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MA168 - Number characteristics in the desired order ?

  The SAP error message MA168, which states "Number characteristics in the desired order," typically occurs in the context of material master data management, particularly when dealing with number ranges or characteristics that are not aligned as expected.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when there is a mismatch or inconsistency in the number characteristics defined for a material or when the system is unable to process the number characteristics in the order they are expected. Common causes include:
  
  Incorrect Number Range Configuration: The number ranges for material types may not be properly defined or may overlap.
  Missing Characteristics: Required characteristics for a material type may not be defined or are missing.
  Data Entry Issues: The data entered for the material master may not conform to the expected format or sequence.
  Custom Enhancements: Custom code or enhancements may interfere with the standard processing of number characteristics.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the MA168 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Number Range Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction code SNRO to check the number range objects related to material master data.
  Ensure that the number ranges are correctly defined and do not overlap.
  
  
  
  Review Material Type Settings:
  
  Use transaction code OMS2 to check the settings for the material type in question.
  Ensure that all required characteristics are defined and correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Validate Material Master Data:
  
  Use transaction code MM02 to edit the material master and verify that all required fields are filled out correctly.
  Ensure that the data entered adheres to the expected formats and sequences.
  
  
  
  Check for Custom Code:
  
  If there are any custom enhancements or user exits that might affect the material master data processing, review them to ensure they are not causing the issue.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, test the creation or modification of the material master again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), and MM03 (Display Material).
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on material master data management and number range configuration.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights and solutions shared by other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or functional team for further investigation.