How To Fix UCFE118 - Characteristic for header area already exists in a structure

UCFE118 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UCFE - Messages for Data Entry Layouts

• Message number: 118

• Message text: Characteristic for header area already exists in a structure

What causes this issue?

The characteristic that is to be used in the header area already exists
elsewhere in the data entry layout. It is no longer possible to use this
characteristic in the header area.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Assign a different reusable header area. Generate a header area directly
in the layout.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message UCFE118 - Characteristic for header area already exists in a structure ?

  The SAP error message UCFE118, which states "Characteristic for header area already exists in a structure," typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BW/4HANA when you are trying to create or modify a data structure (like an InfoObject, InfoCube, or DSO) and you attempt to add a characteristic that is already defined in the header area of that structure.
  
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the following scenarios:
  
  Duplicate Characteristics: You are trying to add a characteristic to a structure that is already defined in the header area of that structure.
  Incorrect Structure Definition: The structure you are working with may have been incorrectly defined or modified, leading to conflicts in the characteristics.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the UCFE118 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Characteristics:
  
  Go to the data structure (InfoObject, InfoCube, DSO, etc.) in the SAP BW modeling tools.
  Review the header area of the structure to see which characteristics are