How To Fix R-320 - Hierarchy is inconsistent

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: R- -

• Message number: 320

• Message text: Hierarchy is inconsistent

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message R-320 - Hierarchy is inconsistent ?

  The SAP error message R-320, which indicates that "Hierarchy is inconsistent," typically arises in the context of SAP's reporting and analysis tools, particularly when dealing with hierarchical data structures such as cost centers, profit centers, or other organizational units.
  Cause:
  The inconsistency in the hierarchy can be caused by several factors, including:
  
  Missing Nodes: A node in the hierarchy may be missing or incorrectly defined, leading to a break in the expected structure.
  Circular References: There may be circular references in the hierarchy, where a node points back to itself or creates a loop.
  Incorrect Assignments: Nodes may be incorrectly assigned to parent nodes, violating the hierarchical structure.
  Data Integrity Issues: Data inconsistencies due to manual entries, data imports, or system migrations can lead to hierarchy issues.
  Changes in Master Data: Changes in the master data that are not reflected in the hierarchy can cause inconsistencies.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the R-320 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  Check Hierarchy Structure: Review the hierarchy structure in the relevant transaction (e.g., transaction code KSH1 for cost centers) to ensure that all nodes are correctly defined and linked.
  Validate Nodes: Use the hierarchy validation tools available in SAP to check for missing nodes or incorrect assignments. This can often be done through specific reports or transaction codes.
  Correct Circular References: Identify and correct any circular references in the hierarchy. This may involve reassigning nodes or restructuring the hierarchy.
  Data Consistency Checks: Run data consistency checks to identify any discrepancies in the master data that may affect the hierarchy.
  Rebuild Hierarchy: In some cases, it may be necessary to rebuild the hierarchy from scratch if the inconsistencies are too complex to resolve individually.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or support notes related to the specific module you are working with for additional guidance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as KSH1 (Create Cost Center Hierarchy), KSH2 (Change Cost Center Hierarchy), and KSH3 (Display Cost Center Hierarchy).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to hierarchy inconsistencies.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups for shared experiences and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  Testing: After making changes, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the hierarchy is functioning correctly and that the error does not reoccur.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the inconsistency in the hierarchy that is causing the R-320 error in SAP.