How To Fix R7856 - No time characteristic is suitable as reference characteristic->long text

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: R7 - BW: Data basis

• Message number: 856

• Message text: No time characteristic is suitable as reference characteristic->long text

What causes this issue?

None of the previously chosen time characteristics are permitted as a
reference characteristic for the non-cumulative value.
Please note that only the following time characteristics are permitted:
0CALDAY
0CALMONTH
0CALQUARTER
0CALWEEK
0CALYEAR
0FISCPER
0FISCYEAR

How to fix this error?

Transfer at least one of the time characteristics above into the data
structure and then define the reference characteristic again.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message R7856 - No time characteristic is suitable as reference characteristic->long text ?

  The SAP error message R7856 ("No time characteristic is suitable as reference characteristic") typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BW/4HANA when dealing with time characteristics in queries or data modeling. This error indicates that the system cannot find a suitable time characteristic to use as a reference for the operation you are trying to perform, such as a query execution or data extraction.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Time Characteristics: The data model or InfoProvider may not have a defined time characteristic that can be used as a reference.
  Incorrect Configuration: The time characteristics may not be properly configured in the InfoObject or InfoProvider.
  Incompatible Data Types: The time characteristics being used may not be compatible with the expected data types or formats.
  Query Design Issues: The query may be designed in a way that does not align with the available time characteristics in the underlying data model.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Time Characteristics:
  
  Go to the InfoObject or InfoProvider and ensure that a time characteristic (like 0CALMONTH, 0CALYEAR, etc.) is defined and active.
  Ensure that the time characteristic is included in the data model and is properly linked to the relevant data.
  
  
  
  Review Query Design:
  
  Open the query in the Query Designer and check if the time characteristic is included in the query.
  Ensure that the time characteristic is set as a reference characteristic if required.
  
  
  
  Data Model Configuration:
  
  Verify the configuration of the InfoProvider to ensure that it includes the necessary time characteristics.
  If you are using a CompositeProvider or a Calculation View, ensure that the time characteristics are correctly mapped.
  
  
  
  Check for Compatibility:
  
  Ensure that the data types of the time characteristics are compatible with the expected formats in the query or data extraction process.
  
  
  
  Rebuild or Adjust the Query:
  
  If the query is complex, consider simplifying it or rebuilding it to ensure that the time characteristics are correctly referenced.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on time characteristics and their configuration.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  Training and Documentation: Consider reviewing training materials or documentation related to SAP BW and time characteristics to better understand their configuration and usage.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.