How To Fix PLM_S4_XPRA022 - Client '&': Reference characteristics are used, conversion not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PLM_S4_XPRA - Messages for PLM XPRA

• Message number: 022

• Message text: Client '&': Reference characteristics are used, conversion not possible

What causes this issue?

You are using characteristics containing material numbers. Migration in
this case is currently not supported. Please refer to note 2333024 for
further details.

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 PLM_S4_XPRA022 - Client '&': Reference characteristics are used, conversion not possible ?

  The SAP error message PLM_S4_XPRA022 indicates that there are reference characteristics being used in the system, and the conversion process cannot proceed due to these characteristics. This error typically arises during the upgrade or migration of SAP systems, particularly when moving to S/4HANA or when performing certain data migrations.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the presence of reference characteristics in the classification system. Reference characteristics are used to link characteristics to other characteristics or objects, and they can complicate data conversion processes because the system may not be able to determine how to handle these references during the upgrade or migration.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Reference Characteristics:
  
  Use transaction codes like CT04 (Characteristic) or CL02 (Class) to identify which characteristics are marked as reference characteristics.
  Check the characteristics that are being used in the classification system and see if they are linked to other characteristics.
  
  
  
  Remove or Modify Reference Characteristics:
  
  If possible, remove the reference characteristics or modify them to be standard characteristics that do not reference other characteristics.
  Ensure that any dependencies or links are appropriately handled before making changes.
  
  
  
  Check Custom Code:
  
  If there is custom code that relies on these reference characteristics, you may need to adjust the code to accommodate the changes.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or patches related to this error. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common issues encountered during upgrades.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, perform thorough testing to ensure that the classification and characteristics are functioning as expected without the reference characteristics.
  
  
  
  Seek SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists or if you are unsure about making changes, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your system configuration and the nature of the error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Review the official SAP documentation related to classification and characteristics to understand how they work and the implications of reference characteristics.
  Upgrade Guides: If you are performing an upgrade, refer to the specific upgrade guide for your version of SAP, as it may contain information on handling classification and characteristics during the upgrade process.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the PLM_S4_XPRA022 error and proceed with your upgrade or migration successfully.