How To Fix RH158 - Identifier '&1' cannot be assigned to a characteristic

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 158

• Message text: Identifier '&1' cannot be assigned to a characteristic

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RH158 - Identifier '&1' cannot be assigned to a characteristic ?

  The SAP error message RH158, which states "Identifier '&1' cannot be assigned to a characteristic," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Human Capital Management (HCM) module, particularly when dealing with characteristics in the context of personnel administration or organizational management.
  Cause:
  This error can arise due to several reasons:
  
  
  Invalid Identifier: The identifier you are trying to assign may not be valid or recognized by the system. This could be due to a typo or using an identifier that does not exist in the system.
  
  
  Incorrect Data Type: The identifier may not match the expected data type for the characteristic. For example, if the characteristic expects a numeric value and you are trying to assign a string, this error may occur.
  
  
  Characteristic Configuration: The characteristic you are trying to assign may not be configured to accept the identifier you are using. This could be due to settings in the configuration of the characteristics in the system.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to assign certain identifiers to characteristics.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the RH158 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Identifier Validity: Verify that the identifier you are trying to assign is correct and exists in the system. You can do this by checking the relevant tables or using transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to look up the identifier.
  
  
  Review Data Types: Ensure that the data type of the identifier matches the expected data type for the characteristic. If there is a mismatch, correct the data type or use a different identifier.
  
  
  Configuration Review: Check the configuration settings for the characteristic in question. You may need to consult with your SAP configuration team to ensure that the characteristic is set up correctly to accept the identifier.
  
  
  Authorization Check: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform the assignment. If you suspect authorization issues, contact your SAP security team to verify your access rights.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help resources related to the specific module you are working with. This can provide insights into the expected configurations and common issues.
  
  
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider using the debugging tools in SAP to trace the process and identify where the error is occurring.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data), PA20 (Display HR Master Data), and others that may be relevant to your task.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any notes related to this error message. There may be specific patches or updates that address known issues.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the RH158 error and implement an appropriate solution.