How To Fix UPC_FW042 - The superior characteristics were included

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UPC_FW - Messages for Planning Framework, Areas, Levels and Packages

• Message number: 042

• Message text: The superior characteristics were included

What causes this issue?

In the planning level, you have included one or more characteristics
that are dependent on other characteristics. In such cases, however,
all characteristics on which the characteristics depend must also be
included in the planning level.

System Response

The system has added the superior characteristics.

How to fix this error?

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

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 UPC_FW042 - The superior characteristics were included ?

  The SAP error message UPC_FW042, which states "The superior characteristics were included," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) or SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) when dealing with characteristics and their hierarchies in the context of planning or forecasting.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when there is an attempt to process or analyze data that includes characteristics that are part of a hierarchy, but the system is not able to handle them correctly due to configuration issues or data inconsistencies. Specifically, it may occur when:
  
  Hierarchical Structure Issues: The characteristics being used in the planning process are part of a superior hierarchy, and the system is not set up to handle them in the current context.
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies in the master data or the way characteristics are defined in the system.
  Planning Area Configuration: The planning area may not be configured correctly to include or exclude certain characteristics.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the UPC_FW042 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Hierarchies: Review the characteristic hierarchies in your system. Ensure that the characteristics you are trying to use are correctly defined and that their relationships are properly set up.
  
  
  Review Planning Area Settings: Go to the planning area configuration and check if the characteristics are included in the planning area. If they are not needed, consider excluding them.
  
  
  Data Consistency Check: Perform a consistency check on your master data. Ensure that all relevant characteristics are correctly assigned and that there are no missing or incorrect entries.
  
  
  Adjust Planning Functions: If you are using specific planning functions or macros, ensure that they are designed to handle the characteristics in question. You may need to modify them to accommodate the hierarchical structure.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling characteristic hierarchies in your version of SAP.
  
  
  Seek Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide more tailored assistance based on your specific configuration and data setup.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums where other users may have encountered similar issues and can share their solutions.
  Training and Documentation: Review training materials or documentation related to SAP APO or IBP, focusing on characteristic management and planning area configuration.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the UPC_FW042 error and implement a solution to resolve it.