How To Fix /SAPAPO/MA686 - Time characteristics: Entry not valid

/SAPAPO/MA686 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/MA -

• Message number: 686

• Message text: Time characteristics: Entry not valid

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/MA686 - Time characteristics: Entry not valid ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/MA686 Time characteristics: Entry not valid typically occurs in the context of SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) when there is an issue with the time characteristics being used in a planning scenario. This error indicates that the time characteristics (such as time buckets, planning periods, or other time-related attributes) are not valid for the operation being performed.
  Causes:
  
  Invalid Time Characteristics: The time characteristics specified in the planning book or data view may not exist or may not be defined correctly in the system.
  Mismatch in Time Periods: The time periods defined in the planning book may not align with the data being processed, leading to inconsistencies.
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the APO system related to the time characteristics or planning areas.
  Data Integrity Issues: The data being used may have integrity issues, such as missing or incorrect entries for the time characteristics.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Time Characteristics: Verify