How To Fix RSRB1209 - Sorting by value for characteristic &1 not possible (is set to key)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSRB1 -

• Message number: 209

• Message text: Sorting by value for characteristic &1 not possible (is set to key)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RSRB1209 - Sorting by value for characteristic &1 not possible (is set to key) ?

  The SAP error message RSRB1209 indicates that there is an issue with sorting by value for a characteristic in a query or report. Specifically, the error states that sorting by value is not possible because the characteristic is set to sort by key instead.
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI (Business Intelligence) environments when:
  
  A characteristic in a query is configured to sort by its key rather than its value.
  The characteristic is defined in a way that does not allow value sorting, which is common for certain types of characteristics (e.g., those that are not text-based or do not have a value representation).
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Settings:
  
  Go to the query designer or the relevant InfoObject settings in the SAP BW system.
  Identify the characteristic that is causing the issue (indicated by &1 in the error message).
  Check the sorting settings for that characteristic. If it is set to sort by key, you may need to change it to sort by value.
  
  
  
  Modify Query Properties:
  
  In the query designer, navigate to the properties of the characteristic.
  Look for the sorting options and change the setting from "Sort by Key" to "Sort by Value" if applicable.
  
  
  
  Review Characteristic Definition:
  
  If the characteristic is defined in a way that does not support value sorting, consider whether it can be modified or if a different characteristic should be used for the report.
  
  
  
  Test the Query:
  
  After making the necessary changes, save the query and execute it again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the settings or how to change them, refer to SAP documentation or consult with your SAP BW administrator for guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Characteristics: In SAP BW, characteristics are attributes that describe data. They can be key figures (quantitative data) or descriptive attributes (qualitative data).
  Sorting Options: Sorting options in SAP BW queries can significantly affect how data is presented. Understanding the difference between sorting by key and sorting by value is crucial for effective reporting.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message, as there may be known issues or fixes provided by SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RSRB1209 error and successfully sort your query results as needed.