How To Fix QPMS205 - Reference to inspection characteristic is not allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QPMS - Planning for Multiple Specifications and Parameter Chars

• Message number: 205

• Message text: Reference to inspection characteristic is not allowed

What causes this issue?

When editing the inspection plan, you tried to mark an inspection
characteristic as a parameter characteristic by creating a reference to
an existing master inspection characteristic.
This is not possible because the reference characteristic does not
contain any parameter 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?

If you assign an inspection method with parameter characteristics to a
master inspection characteristic in an inspection plan, this master
inspection characteristic is marked as a <ZH>primary characteristic</>.
Even if the parameter characteristics are deleted in the inspection
plan, the master inspection characteristic is still marked as a primary
characteristic. If you want to assign another inspection characteristic
to such a primary characteristic when editing the inspection plan, you
must create a reference to the inspection characteristic number of the
primary characteristic.
In contrast, it is <ZH>not</> possible to assign an inspection
characteristic as a parameter characteristic to any master inspection
characteristic in the inspection plan. The reference characteristic must
<ZH>always</> be a primary characteristic. If this is not the case, you
must assign the parameter characteristic to an inspection method that
you will then assign to the master inspection characteristic.

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 QPMS205 - Reference to inspection characteristic is not allowed ?

  The SAP error message QPMS205 ("Reference to inspection characteristic is not allowed") typically occurs in the context of Quality Management (QM) when there is an issue with the configuration or usage of inspection characteristics in a quality inspection plan. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Characteristic Type: The inspection characteristic you are trying to reference may not be compatible with the type of inspection plan or the material being inspected.
  Missing Configuration: The inspection characteristic may not be properly configured in the system, or it may not be assigned to the correct inspection plan.
  Reference Issues: The characteristic might be referencing another characteristic that is not allowed or does not exist.
  Usage in Different Contexts: The characteristic may be used in a context that does not support it, such as trying to use a characteristic meant for a different type of inspection.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Configuration:
  
  Go to the inspection characteristic configuration in the SAP system and ensure that the characteristic is correctly defined and assigned to the appropriate inspection plan.
  Verify that the characteristic type is compatible with the inspection plan.
  
  
  
  Review Inspection Plan:
  
  Open the inspection plan where the error occurred and check the characteristics being referenced. Ensure that they are valid and correctly set up.
  If necessary, create a new inspection characteristic that meets the requirements of the inspection plan.
  
  
  
  Correct References:
  
  If the characteristic is referencing another characteristic, ensure that the referenced characteristic is valid and correctly configured.
  Remove any invalid references and replace them with valid ones.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources related to Quality Management and inspection characteristics to understand the specific requirements and limitations.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the inspection plan to ensure that the error does not occur again.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like QP01 (Create Inspection Plan), QP02 (Change Inspection Plan), and QP03 (Display Inspection Plan) to manage inspection plans and characteristics.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or provide additional guidance on this error message.
  User Forums: Consider visiting SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a consultant who specializes in SAP QM for further assistance.