How To Fix MA286 - Enter characteristic values without gaps

MA286 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MA - Sales and Operations Planning

• Message number: 286

• Message text: Enter characteristic values without gaps

What causes this issue?

You have entered characteristic values without specifying values at one
or more higher levels.

System Response

The system cannot proceed to planning hierarchy maintenance.

How to fix this error?

Enter characteristic values from the top down, without leaving gaps
between levels.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MA286 - Enter characteristic values without gaps ?

  The SAP error message MA286 "Enter characteristic values without gaps" typically occurs in the context of material master data or when working with characteristics in classification systems. This error indicates that there are gaps in the characteristic values that you are trying to enter, which is not allowed in the system.
  
  Cause:
  
  Gaps in Characteristic Values: The error usually arises when the characteristic values you are entering are not continuous. For example, if you are entering a range of values (like 1, 2, 4), the system expects a continuous sequence (like 1, 2, 3).
  Incorrect Data Entry: Sometimes, it may be due to a simple oversight in data entry where a value is skipped or incorrectly entered.
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be specific settings in the classification system that enforce continuous characteristic values.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Characteristic Values: Review the characteristic values you are trying to enter. Ensure that there are no gaps and that the values