How To Fix UPF144 - Argument &1 must contain the type of a higher-level characteristic

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UPF - Planning Functions

• Message number: 144

• Message text: Argument &1 must contain the type of a higher-level characteristic

What causes this issue?

For a function it is necessary to specify a master record uniquely.
With compounded characteristics this can only happen by entering the
characteristic value and the values of the higher-level
characteristics. Also see <DS:TX.SEMBPS_COMPOUND_CHAR>Compound
Characteristic</>. With the argument &V1& it must concern a variable
declared with the DATA - statement. This variable must have the type of
field to be changed. This field to be changed must be a key element of
the master data table of the field for which the master record should
be determined.

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?

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 UPF144 - Argument &1 must contain the type of a higher-level characteristic ?

  The SAP error message UPF144 indicates that there is an issue with the configuration of a characteristic in the context of SAP's Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) or other planning-related modules. Specifically, the error states that the argument provided must contain the type of a higher-level characteristic, which typically means that the system expects a characteristic that is defined at a higher level in the hierarchy.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Characteristic Assignment: The characteristic you are trying to use is not defined as a higher-level characteristic in the hierarchy.
  Hierarchy Configuration Issues: The hierarchy of characteristics may not be set up correctly, leading to the system not recognizing the relationship between the characteristics.
  Data Model Issues: The data model may not be properly configured to support the characteristics being used in the planning or reporting process.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Hierarchy:
  
  Go to the characteristic hierarchy in the SAP system and verify that the characteristic you are trying to use is indeed defined as a higher-level characteristic.
  Ensure that the characteristic is correctly assigned to the appropriate hierarchy level.
  
  
  
  Review Planning Model Configuration:
  
  Check the planning model configuration to ensure that all characteristics are correctly defined and that their relationships are properly established.
  Make sure that the characteristic you are using is compatible with the higher-level characteristic expected by the system.
  
  
  
  Adjust Data Input:
  
  If you are manually entering data or using a data upload, ensure that the values you are providing for the characteristic match the expected higher-level characteristic type.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources related to the specific module you are working with (e.g., BPC, BW) for guidance on characteristic configuration and hierarchy setup.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the configuration by running the planning or reporting process again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  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 to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  Training and Documentation: Consider reviewing training materials or documentation related to SAP planning and characteristic configuration to better understand how to set up and manage characteristics effectively.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP expert or your organization's SAP support team for further assistance.