How To Fix UPF038 - The time characteristic is included with the reference characteristics

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UPF - Planning Functions

• Message number: 038

• Message text: The time characteristic is included with the reference characteristics

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message UPF038 - The time characteristic is included with the reference characteristics ?

  The SAP error message UPF038 indicates that there is an issue with the time characteristic being included with reference characteristics in the context of SAP's Profitability Analysis (CO-PA) or similar modules. This error typically arises when there is a mismatch or incorrect configuration in the characteristics used for reporting or analysis.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The time characteristic (like fiscal year, period, etc.) is not properly configured or is incorrectly included in the characteristic structure.
  Incompatibility: The time characteristic may not be compatible with the reference characteristics defined in the report or analysis.
  Missing Settings: There may be missing settings in the configuration of the characteristics in the SAP system.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for the characteristics in the SAP system.
  Ensure that the time characteristic is correctly defined and compatible with the reference characteristics.
  
  
  
  Review Characteristic Assignment:
  
  Verify the assignment of characteristics in the report or analysis. Make sure that the time characteristic is not incorrectly included with reference characteristics that do not support it.
  
  
  
  Adjust Report Settings:
  
  If you are running a report, check the selection criteria and ensure that the time characteristic is used appropriately. You may need to remove it from the selection if it is not necessary.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on configuring characteristics in your version of SAP.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the report or analysis again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Seek Support:
  
  If the issue continues, 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 requirements.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to CO-PA and characteristic configuration, such as KEA0 (for CO-PA configuration).
  Documentation: Review the SAP Help Portal for detailed information on characteristics and their configuration in CO-PA.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the UPF038 error in your SAP system.