How To Fix R7B638 - Time char. &1 version &2: &3 saved as external hierarchy characteristic

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: R7B - BW Metadata (InfoCube, InfoObject, InfoObject catalog)

• Message number: 638

• Message text: Time char. &1 version &2: &3 saved as external hierarchy characteristic

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message R7B638 - Time char. &1 version &2: &3 saved as external hierarchy characteristic ?

  The SAP error message R7B638 typically indicates an issue related to the handling of time characteristics in the context of external hierarchy characteristics in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI (Business Intelligence). This error can occur when there is a mismatch or a problem with the versioning of time characteristics in your data model.
  Cause:
  
  External Hierarchy Issue: The error suggests that the time characteristic you are trying to use is saved as an external hierarchy characteristic, which may not be compatible with the operation you are attempting.
  Version Mismatch: The version of the time characteristic being referenced may not match the expected version in the system.
  Data Model Configuration: There may be a configuration issue in the data model or InfoObject settings that is causing the time characteristic to be treated incorrectly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Hierarchy Settings: Review the settings of the time characteristic in the InfoObject maintenance. Ensure that it is not incorrectly set as an external hierarchy.
  Verify Versions: Make sure that the version of the time characteristic you are using is correct and matches the expected version in your data model.
  Adjust Data Model: If necessary, adjust the data model to ensure that the time characteristic is properly defined and does not conflict with external hierarchy settings.
  Recreate or Adjust InfoObjects: If the issue persists, consider recreating the InfoObject or adjusting its properties to ensure it is set up correctly.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to this error message for any specific guidance or patches that may address the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or fixes related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as RSA1 (Data Warehousing Workbench) and RSD1 (InfoObject Maintenance) to help diagnose and resolve the issue.
  
  If the problem continues after trying these solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.