How To Fix /SAPAPO/DC_MSG148 - Description must start with a letter

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/DC_MSG -

• Message number: 148

• Message text: Description must start with a letter

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SAPAPO/DC_MSG148 - Description must start with a letter ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/DC_MSG148 with the description "Description must start with a letter" typically occurs in the context of SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) when you are trying to create or modify an object (like a characteristic, key figure, or planning book) and the description you provided does not meet the required format.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered because the system enforces a rule that the description of certain objects must start with an alphabetic character (A-Z, a-z). If the description starts with a number, special character, or is empty, this error will be raised.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should:
  
  
  Check the Description: Ensure that the description you are entering starts with a letter. For example, instead of "123Description" or "#Description", use "A123Description" or "Description1".
  
  
  Modify Input: If you are using a program or a script to input data, ensure that the logic includes a check to prepend a letter if the description starts with a non-letter character.
  
  
  Validation: Implement validation checks in your data entry forms or processes to prevent this error from occurring in the first place.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to the relevant SAP documentation or guidelines for naming conventions in your specific version of SAP APO to ensure compliance with all naming rules.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any updates or specific patches related to this error message.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP APO that may be related to the object you are trying to create or modify (e.g., /SAPAPO/SDP94 for planning books).
  
  By ensuring that your descriptions adhere to the required format, you should be able to avoid this error in the future.