How To Fix /SAPAPO/MA871 - Number of Characteristics Combinations for Selection: &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/MA -

• Message number: 871

• Message text: Number of Characteristics Combinations for Selection: &1

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/MA871 - Number of Characteristics Combinations for Selection: &1 ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/MA871 typically indicates that the number of characteristic combinations for selection exceeds the allowed limit in the SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) module. This error can occur when you are trying to execute a planning function or a query that involves a large number of characteristics or combinations of characteristics, which can lead to performance issues or exceed system limits.
  Cause:
  
  Excessive Combinations: The primary cause of this error is that the selection criteria you are using in your planning function or query result in too many combinations of characteristics. This can happen if you have many characteristics defined in your planning area and you are trying to select a broad range of values for these characteristics.
  System Limitations: SAP has predefined limits on the number of characteristic combinations that can be processed at one time. When the number of combinations exceeds this limit, the error is triggered.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Refine Selection Criteria: Review and refine your selection criteria to reduce the number of characteristic combinations. This can involve:
  
  Limiting the number of characteristics used in the selection.
  Narrowing down the values for each characteristic.
  Using more specific filters to reduce the overall number of combinations.
  
  
  
  Use Aggregation: If applicable, consider using aggregated data instead of detailed data. This can help reduce the number of combinations being processed.
  
  
  Check System Settings: Consult with your SAP Basis or system administrator to check if there are any configurable parameters that can be adjusted to allow for a higher limit of characteristic combinations. However, this should be done with caution, as it may impact system performance.
  
  
  Batch Processing: If the operation can be split into smaller batches, consider processing the data in smaller chunks to avoid hitting the limit.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to this error message for any specific recommendations or updates that may apply to your version of SAP APO.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Performance Considerations: Be aware that even if you manage to bypass the limit, processing a very high number of combinations can lead to performance degradation. Always consider the impact on system performance when designing your queries or planning functions.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have implemented.
  
  By addressing the selection criteria and understanding the limitations of the system, you can effectively resolve the error and improve the performance of your planning functions in SAP APO.