How To Fix /SAPAPO/DP_CHAR020 - A characteristic value is obligatory

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/DP_CHAR -

• Message number: 020

• Message text: A characteristic value is obligatory

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SAPAPO/DP_CHAR020 - A characteristic value is obligatory ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/DP_CHAR020 indicates that a characteristic value is obligatory in the context of Demand Planning (DP) within SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO). This error typically arises when a required characteristic value is missing in the planning data or when a characteristic that is marked as mandatory is not filled in.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Characteristic Value: The characteristic that is set as mandatory in the planning book or data view is not filled in for the specific planning object (e.g., product, location).
  Incorrect Data Entry: The user may have entered data incorrectly or skipped a mandatory field while entering or updating planning data.
  Configuration Issues: The configuration of the planning book or data view may have been set up incorrectly, leading to mandatory fields not being recognized properly.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Planning Book Configuration:
  
  Go to the planning book configuration and verify which characteristics are marked as mandatory.
  Ensure that the mandatory characteristic values are filled in for the relevant planning objects.
  
  
  
  Data Entry:
  
  Review the data entry process to ensure that all required fields are filled out correctly.
  If you are using a data upload process (e.g., through LSMW or data transfer), ensure that the upload file contains all mandatory characteristic values.
  
  
  
  Review Master Data:
  
  Check the master data for the relevant characteristics to ensure that they are correctly defined and that values are assigned where necessary.
  
  
  
  Error Logs:
  
  Check the error logs or messages in the system for more details on which specific characteristic value is missing.
  
  
  
  User Training:
  
  If users are frequently encountering this error, consider providing additional training on the data entry process to ensure they understand which fields are mandatory.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like /SAPAPO/DP for Demand Planning or /SAPAPO/MC for master data maintenance to check and correct the data.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for more details on configuring planning books and understanding characteristic values.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to this error message or provide updates and patches.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement the necessary solutions to resolve it.