How To Fix /SMB/CENTRALDATA116 - Variant &1 was not added, instead variant &2 for value &3

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SMB/CENTRALDATA -

• Message number: 116

• Message text: Variant &1 was not added, instead variant &2 for value &3

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SMB/CENTRALDATA116 - Variant &1 was not added, instead variant &2 for value &3 ?

  The SAP error message /SMB/CENTRALDATA116 indicates that there was an issue with adding a variant in the system. Specifically, the message states that the variant you attempted to add (denoted as &1) was not added, and instead, a different variant (denoted as &2) was used for the specified value (&3). 
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs due to one of the following reasons:
  
  Duplicate Variants: The variant you are trying to add already exists in the system, which prevents the addition of a new variant with the same characteristics.
  Inconsistent Data: There may be inconsistencies in the data that prevent the system from recognizing the new variant.
  Configuration Issues: There could be configuration settings in the system that restrict the addition of new variants under certain conditions.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Variants: Verify if the variant you are trying to add already exists. You can do this by navigating to the relevant transaction or report where variants are managed and checking the list of existing variants.
  
  
  Use the Existing Variant: If the variant already exists and meets your requirements, consider using it instead of trying to create a new one.
  
  
  Modify the Variant: If you need to change the existing variant, you can modify it instead of creating a new one. This can often be done through the variant management screen.
  
  
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings related to variant management in your SAP system. Ensure that there are no restrictions that would prevent the addition of new variants.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on variant management and any specific settings that may apply to your system.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists and you cannot determine the cause, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to variant management, such as SE38 (ABAP Editor) or SA38 (Execute Report).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify variants in the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a suitable solution.