How To Fix /SAPAPO/SDP168 - Selected characteristics combinations use different season years

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/SDP -

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Selected characteristics combinations use different season years

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SAPAPO/SDP168 - Selected characteristics combinations use different season years ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/SDP168 Selected characteristics combinations use different season years typically occurs in the context of SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO), particularly when dealing with planning data that involves seasonal characteristics. This error indicates that the selected combinations of characteristics (such as product, location, and season) are not aligned in terms of their season years, which can lead to inconsistencies in planning data.
  Cause:
  
  Inconsistent Season Years: The primary cause of this error is that the characteristics being used in the planning process (e.g., product, location, season) have been defined with different season years. For example, one characteristic might be defined for the 2022 season while another is defined for the 2023 season.
  Data Entry Errors: There may be data entry errors where the season year for certain characteristics was not updated or was incorrectly set.
  Master Data Issues: The master data for products or locations may not be consistent, leading to different season years being assigned to the same planning object.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Characteristic Combinations: Review the characteristic combinations being used in your planning scenario. Ensure that all selected characteristics are aligned in terms of their season years.
  Update Master Data: If you find inconsistencies in the master data, update the relevant characteristics to ensure they all reference the same season year. This may involve changing the season year for certain products or locations in the master data.
  Use Consistent Planning Objects: When creating planning scenarios, ensure that you are using planning objects that are consistent in terms of their season years.
  Review Planning Book Settings: Check the settings in the planning book to ensure that the characteristics and their values are correctly defined and aligned.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on managing season years and characteristics in your version of SAP APO.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like /SAPAPO/SDP94 (for planning book maintenance) or /SAPAPO/SDP93 (for planning book configuration) to review and adjust your settings.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance on handling season years in APO.
  Training and Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who specializes in APO for further assistance.
  
  By ensuring that all characteristics used in your planning processes are consistent in terms of their season years, you should be able to resolve the error and proceed with your planning activities.