How To Fix P5169 - Characteristic must be selected due to characteristic chain: & & & &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: P5 - Project Information System: (Modification of LIS; M5)

• Message number: 169

• Message text: Characteristic must be selected due to characteristic chain: & & & &

What causes this issue?

You want to transfer one or more than one characteristic to Microsoft
Excel for which a characteristic chain exists. You can only transfer a
complete characteristic chain. Therefore you must also select the
listed characteristics.

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?

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 P5169 - Characteristic must be selected due to characteristic chain: & & & & ?

  The SAP error message P5169 indicates that a characteristic must be selected due to a characteristic chain. This typically occurs in the context of SAP's variant configuration (VC) or when working with characteristics in a class or a configuration model.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you are trying to create or modify a configuration for a product, and there are dependencies between characteristics defined in the configuration model. Specifically, it means that one or more characteristics are linked in such a way that selecting one characteristic necessitates the selection of another characteristic (or characteristics) due to the defined characteristic chain.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Dependencies:
  
  Review the characteristics involved in the configuration. Look for any dependencies or chains that have been defined in the configuration model.
  You can do this by navigating to the configuration profile or class and checking the dependencies set for the characteristics.
  
  
  
  Select Required Characteristics:
  
  Ensure that you select all the required characteristics as indicated by the error message. The message will typically specify which characteristics are mandatory.
  If you are using a configuration transaction, make sure to follow the prompts and select the necessary options.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings:
  
  If you are a configuration expert, you may want to review the configuration settings in the class or the variant configuration model to ensure that the dependencies are set up correctly.
  You can use transaction codes like CL02 (Change Class) or CU01 (Create Configuration Profile) to review and modify the characteristics and their dependencies.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the characteristic chain or how to resolve the issue, consult the SAP documentation or help resources related to variant configuration and characteristics.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the configuration again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Characteristic Chains: These are defined relationships between characteristics that dictate how they interact with each other. Understanding these chains is crucial for effective configuration.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CL01 (Create Class), CL02 (Change Class), and CU01 (Create Configuration Profile) for managing characteristics and classes.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for additional insights or patches that may address specific issues.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP expert or your organization's SAP support team for further assistance.