How To Fix R!220 - Specify a basic characteristic


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: R! -

  • Message number: 220

  • Message text: Specify a basic characteristic

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  • 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.

    Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.



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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message R!220 - Specify a basic characteristic ?

    The SAP error message R!220 "Specify a basic characteristic" typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI (Business Intelligence) when working with InfoObjects, especially when defining or modifying characteristics in a data model or query.

    Cause:

    This error usually arises when:

    1. A characteristic that is expected to be defined as a basic characteristic is not specified correctly.
    2. The system requires a basic characteristic to be defined for a certain operation, but it is missing or incorrectly configured.
    3. There may be an issue with the data model or query definition where a basic characteristic is required for aggregation or filtering.

    Solution:

    To resolve the R!220 error, you can take the following steps:

    1. Check the Query Definition:

      • Open the query in the Query Designer.
      • Ensure that all required basic characteristics are included in the query definition.
    2. Review InfoObject Settings:

      • Go to the InfoObject maintenance transaction (e.g., RSD1).
      • Check the settings of the characteristic in question to ensure it is defined as a basic characteristic.
      • Make sure that the characteristic is active and properly configured.
    3. Validate Data Model:

      • If you are working with a Composite Provider or a MultiProvider, ensure that the basic characteristics are correctly mapped and included in the data model.
      • Check for any inconsistencies in the underlying data sources.
    4. Check Aggregation Settings:

      • If the error occurs during aggregation, ensure that the basic characteristics required for aggregation are included in the aggregation settings.
    5. Rebuild the Query:

      • If the issue persists, consider rebuilding the query from scratch to ensure that all necessary characteristics are included.
    6. Consult Documentation:

      • Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the characteristics and their configurations.

    Related Information:

    • Basic Characteristics: In SAP BW, basic characteristics are those that can be used for reporting and analysis. They are typically used as dimensions in queries.
    • InfoObjects: These are the building blocks of the data model in SAP BW, representing data fields that can be used in reporting.
    • Query Designer: A tool used to create and modify queries in SAP BW/BI, allowing users to define how data is retrieved and displayed.

    If the problem continues after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message.

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