How To Fix R7B686 - Attribute &1 not general. Cannot be used as nav. attrib. InfoProv. in &2.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 686

• Message text: Attribute &1 not general. Cannot be used as nav. attrib. InfoProv. in &2.

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message R7B686 - Attribute &1 not general. Cannot be used as nav. attrib. InfoProv. in &2. ?

  The SAP error message R7B686 indicates that an attribute you are trying to use as a navigation attribute in an InfoProvider is not general. This typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP HANA when working with InfoObjects and InfoProviders.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to use an attribute that is not defined as a general attribute in the context of a specific InfoProvider. In SAP BW, attributes can be classified as either "general" or "navigational." A general attribute is one that can be used for navigation in queries, while a non-general attribute cannot.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Attribute Settings:
  
  Go to the InfoObject maintenance transaction (e.g., RSD1).
  Locate the InfoObject that corresponds to the attribute mentioned in the error message.
  Check the attribute settings to ensure that the attribute is marked as a "navigational attribute."
  
  
  
  Change Attribute Type:
  
  If the attribute is not set as a navigational attribute, you may need to change its settings.
  In the InfoObject maintenance, navigate to the "Attributes" tab and ensure that the attribute is set to be a navigational attribute.
  
  
  
  Re-activate the InfoObject:
  
  After making changes, you may need to activate the InfoObject again to ensure that the changes take effect.
  
  
  
  Check InfoProvider Settings:
  
  Ensure that the InfoProvider (e.g., InfoCube, DSO) is correctly configured to use the attributes you want to include.
  If necessary, adjust the InfoProvider settings to include the correct attributes.
  
  
  
  Rebuild Queries:
  
  If you are using queries that reference the attribute, you may need to rebuild or refresh those queries to reflect the changes made.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Navigational Attributes: These are attributes that can be used to filter or drill down in queries. They are essential for providing meaningful analysis in reports.
  General Attributes: These attributes are used for descriptive purposes and cannot be used for navigation in queries.
  SAP BW Documentation: For more detailed information, refer to the SAP BW documentation or help resources that explain the differences between general and navigational attributes.
  
  If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, consider consulting with your SAP BW administrator or support team for further assistance.