How To Fix UPC_FW158 - Variable &1 contains more than 10,000 characteristic values

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 158

• Message text: Variable &1 contains more than 10,000 characteristic values

What causes this issue?

Variable &1 contains more than 10,000 characteristic values.
Such a large number of values is not intended and cannot be processed by
the internal structures in the program. Therefore this restriction is
imposed as such a large number of characteristic values can cause
extreme losses in terms of performance.

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

Restrict the area of the selected characteristic values for variables
further.
With the authorization type variable, the authorization is too general
in this case.
If this is a variable of type hierarchy, the node selected is not
sufficiently restricted. Choose a node that does not contain more than
10,000 values.
If this is a variable with the replacement type user exit, modify the
appropriate exit so that its output remains under the predetermined
limit of 10.000 characteristic values.

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_FW158 - Variable &1 contains more than 10,000 characteristic values ?

  The SAP error message UPC_FW158 indicates that a variable (typically a characteristic in a planning scenario) contains more than 10,000 characteristic values. This limit is set to ensure system performance and manageability, as handling a large number of values can lead to performance degradation and increased complexity in planning processes.
  Cause:
  
  Excessive Characteristic Values: The variable in question is associated with a characteristic that has accumulated more than 10,000 distinct values. This can happen due to:
  
  Data model design issues where too many unique values are generated.
  Incorrect data loading or transformation processes that lead to duplication or excessive granularity.
  Changes in business processes that result in a higher number of unique values being generated.
  
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Reduce Characteristic Values:
  
  Aggregation: If possible, aggregate the characteristic values to reduce the number of distinct values. For example, instead of having individual values for each product, you could group them by product category.
  Filtering: Implement filters to limit the number of characteristic values that are relevant for your planning scenario. This can be done by adjusting the selection criteria in your planning functions.
  
  
  
  Data Cleanup:
  
  Review the data loading processes to ensure that they are not introducing unnecessary duplicates or excessive granularity.
  Clean up the master data to remove obsolete or irrelevant characteristic values.
  
  
  
  Re-evaluate Planning Scenarios:
  
  Assess whether the current planning scenario is appropriate for the volume of data being processed. If necessary, consider splitting the planning scenario into smaller, more manageable parts.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific planning application you are using (e.g., SAP Integrated Business Planning, SAP BW, etc.) for any additional guidelines or best practices.
  
  
  
  SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists or if you need further assistance, consider reaching out to SAP Support for guidance tailored to your specific system configuration and business requirements.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Performance Considerations: Always keep in mind that having a high number of characteristic values can impact the performance of planning functions, reporting, and data processing.
  Best Practices: Regularly review and maintain your master data and planning models to ensure they remain efficient and relevant to your business needs.
  System Configuration: Check if there are any system parameters or settings that can be adjusted to accommodate your specific use case, although the 10,000 limit is generally a hard limit in many SAP systems.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the excessive characteristic values and implementing the suggested solutions, you should be able to resolve the UPC_FW158 error and improve the performance of your planning processes.