How To Fix QS196 - Characteristic version that has been marked for no further use is copied

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QS - QM: Master data

• Message number: 196

• Message text: Characteristic version that has been marked for no further use is copied

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message QS196 - Characteristic version that has been marked for no further use is copied ?

  The SAP error message QS196 indicates that a characteristic version has been marked for "no further use" and is being copied, which is not allowed. This typically occurs in the context of Quality Management (QM) or other modules where characteristics are used for inspection plans, quality notifications, or similar processes.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to copy a characteristic that has been flagged as obsolete or inactive. This can happen if:
  
  The characteristic version has been deactivated or marked for no further use in the system.
  The characteristic is part of a configuration or master data that is no longer valid.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Status:
  
  Go to the characteristic in question and check its status. You can do this in the transaction code CT04 (for characteristics) or QS22 (for inspection plans).
  If the characteristic is marked for no further use, you will need to either reactivate it or create a new characteristic.
  
  
  
  Reactivate the Characteristic:
  
  If you have the necessary permissions and it is appropriate to do so, you can change the status of the characteristic back to active. This is done in the characteristic maintenance screen.
  
  
  
  Create a New Characteristic:
  
  If reactivating the characteristic is not an option (for example, if it is part of a historical record), consider creating a new characteristic that serves the same purpose.
  
  
  
  Review Dependencies:
  
  Check if there are any dependencies or links to other objects (like inspection plans or material specifications) that might be affected by the change in the characteristic status.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to characteristics and their statuses for more detailed guidance.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance, especially if this is impacting critical business processes.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CT04 (Characteristic), QS21 (Create Inspection Plan), and QS22 (Change Inspection Plan).
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to characteristics and inspection plans.
  Change Management: Implement a change management process to track changes to characteristics and their statuses to avoid similar issues in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the QS196 error and ensure that your characteristics are properly managed within the SAP system.