How To Fix /SAPAPO/CDPS_CHARMAT008 - You can only use characteristics that consist of characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/CDPS_CHARMAT -

• Message number: 008

• Message text: You can only use characteristics that consist of characters

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 /SAPAPO/CDPS_CHARMAT008 - You can only use characteristics that consist of characters ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/CDPS_CHARMAT008 indicates that there is an issue with the characteristics used in a certain context, typically related to the configuration of characteristics in SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO). The error message states that you can only use characteristics that consist of characters, which means that the system is expecting a certain format for the characteristics being used.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Character Set: The characteristics being used may contain invalid characters (e.g., special characters, numbers, or spaces) that are not allowed in the context where they are being applied.
  Configuration Issues: There may be a misconfiguration in the master data or in the way characteristics are defined in the system.
  Data Entry Errors: Users may have entered characteristics incorrectly, leading to the inclusion of unsupported characters.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Characteristic Definitions: Review the definitions of the characteristics in the SAP system. Ensure that they only contain valid characters (typically alphanumeric characters).
  Correct Data Entries: If the error is due to specific entries in the master data, correct those entries to ensure they conform to the expected format.
  Use Valid Characteristics: When creating or modifying planning objects, ensure that only valid characteristics are selected. Avoid using any characteristics that contain invalid characters.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidelines on valid characteristic formats and naming conventions.
  Testing: After making changes, test the process again to ensure that the error has been resolved.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to characteristic management, such as CT04 (Create Characteristic) and CT05 (Change Characteristic).
  APO Configuration: Review the configuration settings in APO to ensure that they align with the requirements for characteristics.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the correct procedures for entering and managing characteristics to prevent future occurrences of this error.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP expert or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.