How To Fix MA480 - Include characteristic "product group/material" once only

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MA - Sales and Operations Planning

• Message number: 480

• Message text: Include characteristic "product group/material" once only

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MA480 - Include characteristic "product group/material" once only ?

  The SAP error message MA480, which states "Include characteristic 'product group/material' once only," typically occurs in the context of material master data or when working with characteristics in classification systems. This error indicates that the system has detected a duplicate entry for the characteristic "product group/material" in a classification or variant configuration scenario.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Characteristics: The error arises when the same characteristic is included multiple times in a classification or variant configuration. In SAP, each characteristic should be unique within a specific context.
  Incorrect Configuration: The configuration of the material master or classification might have been set up incorrectly, leading to the inclusion of the same characteristic more than once.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual data entry errors can also lead to the duplication of characteristics.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Classification: Review the classification of the material or the variant configuration to ensure that the characteristic "product group/material" is only included once. 
  
  Go to the classification view of the material and check the assigned characteristics.
  Remove any duplicate entries for "product group/material."
  
  
  
  Adjust Material Master Data: If the error is related to the material master, navigate to the material master data and ensure that the characteristic is not duplicated in the relevant views.
  
  Use transaction code MM02 to modify the material master and check the classification data.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings: If you are using variant configuration, check the configuration profiles and ensure that the characteristic is defined correctly and only once.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct setup, refer to SAP documentation or consult with your SAP support team for guidance on how to properly configure characteristics.
  
  
  Testing: After making the necessary adjustments, test the changes to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  MM02 (Change Material Master)
  CL02 (Change Class)
  CL30N (Display Characteristics)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance on handling classification issues.
  
  
  Training and Documentation: Consider reviewing SAP training materials or documentation related to material classification and variant configuration to better understand how to manage characteristics effectively.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MA480 error and ensure that your material classification is set up correctly.