How To Fix NAA353 - Characteristic (field) &1 requires sort index &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: NAA - Subsequent settlement (Purchasing)

• Message number: 353

• Message text: Characteristic (field) &1 requires sort index &2

What causes this issue?

Certain characteristics, including a fixed sort index, are essential
for this function.

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?

Please correct your entry as indicated.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message NAA353 - Characteristic (field) &1 requires sort index &2 ?

  The SAP error message NAA353 indicates that a characteristic (field) requires a sort index, which is not currently defined. This error typically occurs in the context of SAP's classification system, particularly when dealing with characteristics in classification hierarchies or when trying to create or modify characteristics in the classification system.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  A characteristic is defined in a way that it requires a sort index for proper ordering or categorization.
  The sort index for the specified characteristic is either missing or not properly configured in the system.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the NAA353 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Definition:
  
  Go to the transaction code CT04 (Characteristic Maintenance).
  Enter the characteristic name that is causing the error and check its settings.
  Ensure that the characteristic is set up correctly and that it requires a sort index.
  
  
  
  Define Sort Index:
  
  If the characteristic requires a sort index, you need to define it.
  In the characteristic maintenance screen, look for the option to maintain the sort index.
  Assign a sort index value to the characteristic. This is usually a numeric value that determines the order in which the characteristic values will be sorted.
  
  
  
  Check Dependencies:
  
  If the characteristic is part of a class or a hierarchy, ensure that all related characteristics also have their sort indices defined if required.
  
  
  
  Transport Changes:
  
  If you are working in a development environment, ensure that any changes made are transported to the quality or production environment as needed.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the functionality again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CT04: Characteristic Maintenance
  CL02: Class Maintenance (to check if the characteristic is part of a class)
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on characteristics and sort indices in the classification system.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to this error message.
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the NAA353 error and ensure that your characteristics are properly configured within the SAP system.