How To Fix RH031 - Hierarchies can only be determined for a basic characteristic

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RH - BW: Hierarchies ( basic functions )

• Message number: 031

• Message text: Hierarchies can only be determined for a basic characteristic

What causes this issue?

Characteristic &V1&, for which you want to create a hierarchy, is a
reference to basic characteristic &V1&.
No hierarchies may be created for referencing InfoObjects.

System Response

The hierarchy is not created.

How to fix this error?

Create the hierarchy for basic characteristic &V1&. Using the
referencing characteristic &V1& you can then access the hierarchy in
the query.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RH031 - Hierarchies can only be determined for a basic characteristic ?

  The SAP error message RH031, which states "Hierarchies can only be determined for a basic characteristic," typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP HANA when you are trying to use a characteristic that is not defined as a basic characteristic in a hierarchy context.
  Cause:
  
  Non-Basic Characteristic: The characteristic you are trying to use in a hierarchy is not defined as a basic characteristic. In SAP BW, a basic characteristic is one that can have hierarchies assigned to it.
  Incorrect Configuration: The characteristic may be configured incorrectly in the InfoObject settings, or it may not be set up to support hierarchies.
  Data Model Issues: There may be issues with the data model or the way the characteristic is being used in queries or reports.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Type: Verify that the characteristic you are using is indeed a basic characteristic. You can do this by checking the InfoObject settings in the SAP BW system.
  
  Go to the InfoObject maintenance transaction (e.g., RSA1) and check the properties of the characteristic.
  Ensure that it is marked as a basic characteristic.
  
  
  
  Hierarchy Assignment: If the characteristic is not a basic characteristic, you may need to either:
  
  Change the characteristic to a basic characteristic if appropriate.
  Use a different characteristic that is already defined as a basic characteristic and has hierarchies assigned.
  
  
  
  Review Hierarchy Settings: If the characteristic is a basic characteristic, ensure that the hierarchies are correctly defined and activated.
  
  Check the hierarchy settings in the InfoObject maintenance.
  Make sure that the hierarchy is active and properly structured.
  
  
  
  Data Model Review: Review the data model to ensure that the characteristic is being used correctly in queries, reports, or data flows. Make sure that the characteristic is included in the appropriate data sources.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the configuration or the characteristics, refer to SAP documentation or consult with your SAP BW administrator for guidance.
  
  
  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 InfoObject management to better understand how to configure characteristics and hierarchies.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RH031 error and ensure that your hierarchies are set up correctly in SAP.