How To Fix NGC_API_BASE020 - Character &1 is a reference characteristic

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: NGC_API_BASE - NGC API Messages

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Character &1 is a reference characteristic

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 NGC_API_BASE020 - Character &1 is a reference characteristic ?

  The SAP error message NGC_API_BASE020, which states "Character &1 is a reference characteristic," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) or similar modules where characteristics and their relationships are defined.
  Cause:
  This error indicates that the characteristic you are trying to manipulate or reference is a "reference characteristic." In SAP, reference characteristics are used to link characteristics to other characteristics, and they cannot be directly modified or used in certain operations like standard characteristics. This is often encountered when trying to create or change master data, such as in the context of planning or configuration.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Definition: Verify the definition of the characteristic in question. You can do this by navigating to the characteristic in the SAP GUI and checking its properties. Ensure that you understand its role as a reference characteristic.
  
  
  Use Standard Characteristics: If you need to perform operations that are not allowed on reference characteristics, consider using standard characteristics instead. You may need to create a new characteristic that is not a reference.
  
  
  Review Dependencies: If the reference characteristic is linked to other characteristics, review those dependencies. You may need to adjust how these characteristics are related or used in your planning scenarios.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on how to work with reference characteristics and their limitations.
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for assistance. They may provide insights specific to your system configuration.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Reference Characteristics: These are characteristics that do not hold values themselves but instead point to values of other characteristics. They are often used in scenarios where you want to maintain a level of abstraction or reuse characteristics across different contexts.
  
  
  Characteristic Configuration: Understanding how characteristics are configured in your SAP system is crucial. This includes knowing the difference between reference and standard characteristics, as well as how they interact with other elements in the system.
  
  
  SAP Notes and Community: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error. The SAP Community forums can also be a valuable resource for finding solutions from other users who have encountered similar issues.
  
  
  By following these steps and understanding the nature of reference characteristics, you should be able to address the NGC_API_BASE020 error effectively.