How To Fix MA171 - Number the characteristics you want to see in the header

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MA - Sales and Operations Planning

• Message number: 171

• Message text: Number the characteristics you want to see in the header

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MA171 - Number the characteristics you want to see in the header ?

  The SAP error message MA171 typically occurs in the context of Material Management (MM) or Production Planning (PP) when you are trying to display or process a material document or a production order, and the system requires you to specify which characteristics you want to see in the header.
  Cause:
  The error message MA171 is triggered when the system expects you to define certain characteristics (like specific fields or attributes) that should be displayed in the header of a document or report, but these characteristics have not been specified. This can happen in various scenarios, such as:
  
  When creating or modifying a material master record.
  When processing production orders or material documents.
  When using certain transaction codes that require specific display settings.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the MA171 error, you need to specify the characteristics that you want to see in the header. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Identify the Transaction: Determine which transaction or report you are working with when the error occurs.
  
  
  Access the Settings: Look for an option to customize or configure the display settings. This is often found in the selection screen or settings menu of the transaction.
  
  
  Specify Characteristics: In the relevant section, specify the characteristics you want to display. This could include fields like material number, plant, storage location, etc.
  
  
  Save Settings: After specifying the desired characteristics, save your settings and try to execute the transaction again.
  
  
  Check User Parameters: Sometimes, user-specific settings can affect how data is displayed. Check your user parameters to ensure they are set correctly.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure which characteristics to specify, refer to the SAP documentation or help files related to the specific transaction you are using.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes related to material management, such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), or CO01 (Create Production Order).
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to modify display settings for the transaction you are working with.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that may address this error or provide additional guidance.
  SAP Community: Consider reaching out to the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered the same issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MA171 error and successfully display the desired characteristics in the header.