How To Fix R7042 - Characteristic &1: Extension can be problematic

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: R7 - BW: Data basis

• Message number: 042

• Message text: Characteristic &1: Extension can be problematic

What causes this issue?

The length of characteristic &V1& has been extended from &V2& to &V3&.

System Response

If the characteristic itself is compounded, or it appears in the
compounding of other characteristics, these hierarchies become invalid
if you store them concatenated (for example, in hierarchies). In
certain circumstances, you may not be able to activate the
characteristic.

How to fix this error?

Only lengthen the characteristic &V1& then, if you are certain that it
is not used in hierarchies as described above or in other objects.
Or check the objects specified above for consistency and adjust them,
if necessary.
Note:
The characteristic can also be used as a node in the hierarchies of
other characteristics.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

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 R7042 - Characteristic &1: Extension can be problematic ?

  The SAP error message R7042, which states "Characteristic &1: Extension can be problematic," typically occurs in the context of SAP's classification system, particularly when dealing with characteristics in the classification of materials or products. This error indicates that there may be issues with the way a characteristic is defined or extended, which could lead to problems in data processing or reporting.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Characteristic Definition: The characteristic may have been defined in a way that is not compatible with the data being processed.
  Data Type Mismatch: The data type of the characteristic may not match the expected type for the values being assigned to it.
  Extension Issues: If the characteristic has been extended (e.g., to additional classes or objects), there may be inconsistencies or conflicts in the extension.
  Missing Values: Required values for the characteristic may be missing or incorrectly assigned.
  System Configuration: There may be configuration issues in the classification system or related modules.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Characteristic Definition: Check the definition of the characteristic in the classification system. Ensure that it is correctly defined with the appropriate data type and value range.
  Check Extensions: If the characteristic has been extended, review the extensions to ensure they are correctly set up and do not conflict with existing definitions.
  Validate Data: Ensure that all values assigned to the characteristic are valid and conform to the expected data type and range.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on the specific characteristic and its expected configuration.
  Test Changes: After making any changes, test the characteristic in a development or test environment before applying it to production.
  Seek Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional context.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CL02 (Change Characteristic) or CL03 (Display Characteristic) to manage characteristics effectively.
  Classification System: Understand the broader context of the classification system in SAP, including how characteristics, classes, and objects interact.
  Data Consistency: Regularly perform data consistency checks to ensure that all characteristics and their values are correctly maintained.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and following the suggested solutions, you should be able to resolve the R7042 error and ensure the proper functioning of the classification system in SAP.