How To Fix RSM1420 - Error arose when activating the hierarchy; Hierarchy not active

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSM1 - Messages for AWB, Scheduler and Monitor (new)

• Message number: 420

• Message text: Error arose when activating the hierarchy; Hierarchy not active

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 RSM1420 - Error arose when activating the hierarchy; Hierarchy not active ?

  The SAP error message RSM1420, which states "Error arose when activating the hierarchy; Hierarchy not active," typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) when there is an issue with activating a hierarchy in the system. This error can arise due to various reasons, and here are some common causes, solutions, and related information:
  Causes:
  
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies in the data that prevent the hierarchy from being activated.
  Missing Authorizations: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to activate the hierarchy.
  Hierarchy Structure Issues: The hierarchy structure may be incorrectly defined, such as circular references or missing nodes.
  Transport Issues: If the hierarchy was transported from another system, there may be issues related to the transport.
  Technical Errors: There could be technical issues in the system, such as database locks or system performance problems.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Data Consistency: Use transaction codes like RSA1 (Data Warehousing Workbench) to check for inconsistencies in the hierarchy data. Ensure that all nodes are correctly defined and that there are no circular references.
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user attempting to activate the hierarchy has the necessary authorizations. You can check this in transaction SU53 or by consulting with your security team.
  Recreate the Hierarchy: If the hierarchy structure is problematic, consider deleting and recreating the hierarchy. Make sure to follow the correct steps for defining the hierarchy.
  Check Transport Logs: If the hierarchy was transported, check the transport logs for any errors or warnings that may indicate issues during the transport process.
  System Performance: If there are performance issues, consider checking the system logs (transaction SM21) for any errors or warnings that may indicate underlying problems.
  Use Transaction RSRHIER: You can use transaction RSRHIER to check the status of the hierarchy and to activate it manually if needed.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to the specific error message for any patches or updates that may address the issue.
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP BW documentation for guidelines on hierarchy management and activation processes.
  Community Forums: Consider searching or posting in SAP community forums for additional insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or BW support team for further investigation.