How To Fix UPF072 - A time characteristic must be maintained for planning level &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UPF - Planning Functions

• Message number: 072

• Message text: A time characteristic must be maintained for planning level &1

What causes this issue?

You have attempted to create a planning function (e.g. a forecast) that
requires a time characteristic for its execution. There is no such
characteristic in the planning level. Therefore, it is not possible to
define the planning function in full.

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?

Add a characteristic with time reference to the planning level and then
create the planning function again.

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 UPF072 - A time characteristic must be maintained for planning level &1 ?

  The SAP error message UPF072 indicates that a time characteristic must be maintained for a specific planning level. This error typically arises in the context of planning scenarios, particularly in SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) or SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO).
  Cause:
  The error occurs when a planning level is defined without a corresponding time characteristic. In SAP, planning levels are used to define the granularity of planning data, and they require specific time characteristics (like year, month, week, etc.) to be defined for effective planning.
  Solution:
  To resolve the UPF072 error, you need to ensure that a time characteristic is properly maintained for the specified planning level. Here are the steps to do this:
  
  
  Access the Planning Level Configuration:
  
  Go to the relevant transaction code in SAP (e.g., /SAPAPO/PLNLEV for APO or the appropriate configuration area in IBP).
  
  
  
  Identify the Planning Level:
  
  Locate the planning level that is causing the error. This will be indicated in the error message (represented as &1).
  
  
  
  Maintain Time Characteristics:
  
  Check the settings for the identified planning level. Ensure that a time characteristic is assigned. You may need to add or modify the time characteristics associated with this planning level.
  
  
  
  Save Changes:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, save your changes.
  
  
  
  Re-run the Planning Process:
  
  Once the time characteristic is maintained, re-run the planning process that triggered the error to verify that the issue is resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Planning Levels: These are essential in defining how data is aggregated or disaggregated in planning processes. Each planning level should have a clear definition of its time characteristics.
  Time Characteristics: These are attributes that define the time intervals for planning (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly). They are crucial for time-based planning activities.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed guidance on configuring planning levels and time characteristics specific to your version of SAP (APO, IBP, etc.).
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error.