How To Fix RD169 - Special characteristic &1 is not in the field list

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RD - CO-PA Connection to SAP BW

• Message number: 169

• Message text: Special characteristic &1 is not in the field list

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RD169 - Special characteristic &1 is not in the field list ?

  The SAP error message RD169, which states "Special characteristic &1 is not in the field list," typically occurs in the context of reporting or data extraction processes, particularly when working with characteristics in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP ERP systems. This error indicates that a special characteristic (denoted by &1) is being referenced in a query or report, but it is not included in the field list of the data source or query definition.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Characteristic: The special characteristic that is being referenced is not included in the data source or the query definition.
  Incorrect Query Definition: The query may have been defined incorrectly, or the characteristic may have been removed or not activated in the InfoObject.
  Data Source Issues: The underlying data source (like an InfoCube or DataStore Object) may not contain the special characteristic.
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to access certain characteristics.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Query Definition:
  
  Open the query in the Query Designer.
  Ensure that the special characteristic is included in the field list of the query.
  If it is missing, add it to the query.
  
  
  
  Verify InfoObject:
  
  Go to the InfoObject maintenance and check if the special characteristic is active and correctly defined.
  Ensure that it is included in the relevant InfoProvider (like InfoCube or DSO).
  
  
  
  Update Data Source:
  
  If the characteristic is not part of the data source, you may need to modify the data source to include it.
  This may involve adjusting the data model or reloading data.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the special characteristic.
  Review the authorization roles assigned to the user.
  
  
  
  Rebuild Query:
  
  If the issue persists, consider rebuilding the query from scratch to ensure that all necessary characteristics are included.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific version of SAP you are using for any known issues or additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific fixes or updates related to this error message.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  Training and Documentation: Consider reviewing training materials or documentation on SAP BW query design and InfoObject management for best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the RD169 error and implement a solution to resolve it.