How To Fix USMD2188 - The hierarchy entry cannot be ranked lower

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: USMD2 - Master Data: UI Modeling

• Message number: 188

• Message text: The hierarchy entry cannot be ranked lower

What causes this issue?

You want to rank a hierarchy entry lower by one level. Normally, this
entry needs to be inserted under another entry at the same level that
precedes the entry being moved lower. However, in this case there is no
hierarchy entry. You therefore cannot move the selected hierarchy entry
to a lower level.

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 USMD2188 - The hierarchy entry cannot be ranked lower ?

  The SAP error message USMD2188, "The hierarchy entry cannot be ranked lower," typically occurs in the context of SAP Master Data Governance (MDG) when dealing with hierarchical data structures. This error indicates that there is an issue with the ranking of hierarchy entries, where a specific entry is being assigned a lower rank than it is allowed to have based on its position in the hierarchy.
  Cause:
  
  Hierarchy Structure Violation: The error usually arises when you attempt to assign a lower rank to a node in a hierarchy that is not permissible. For example, if a parent node is being assigned a lower rank than its child nodes, this would violate the hierarchical structure.
  Data Integrity Issues: There may be inconsistencies in the data that lead to this error, such as incorrect parent-child relationships or misconfigured hierarchy settings.
  Configuration Settings: The settings in the hierarchy configuration may not allow for certain types of rank assignments, leading to this error when trying to save or activate changes.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Hierarchy Structure: Check the hierarchy structure to ensure that the parent-child relationships are correctly defined. Make sure that no parent node is being assigned a lower rank than its children.
  Adjust Rankings: If you are trying to change the rank of a hierarchy entry, ensure that the new rank is valid according to the hierarchy rules. You may need to adjust the ranks of other entries to maintain the integrity of the hierarchy.
  Data Validation: Validate the data being entered to ensure that it adheres to the rules of the hierarchy. This may involve checking for duplicate entries, ensuring that all required fields are filled, and confirming that the hierarchy levels are correctly assigned.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on managing hierarchy entries in your version of SAP MDG.
  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.
  
  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 hierarchy management in SAP MDG, such as MDG_HIERARCHY or others that may be relevant to your specific use case.
  Training and Documentation: Consider training resources or documentation on SAP MDG hierarchy management to better understand how to structure and manage hierarchies effectively.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the USMD2188 error and ensure that your hierarchy entries are correctly ranked.