How To Fix VMP_MSG359 - Assign Reference Designator to all instances of '&1'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VMP_MSG - VMP Message Manager

• Message number: 359

• Message text: Assign Reference Designator to all instances of '&1'

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VMP_MSG359 - Assign Reference Designator to all instances of '&1' ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  VMP_MSG359: Assign Reference Designator to all instances of '&1'
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Variant Configuration (LO-VC) when you have a characteristic or a class that is used multiple times in a configuration model, but the system cannot uniquely identify each instance because the Reference Designator (also called Instance Name) is missing or not assigned for all instances.
  In other words, when you have multiple instances of the same component or characteristic in a configuration, SAP requires a unique reference designator to distinguish between these instances. If one or more instances lack this assignment, the system throws this error.
  
  When does it typically occur?
  
  During the creation or change of a configuration model.
  When assigning characteristics or classes to multiple instances of a component.
  When generating or processing variant configuration data.
  When working with BOMs or class characteristics that are instantiated multiple times.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Assign Reference Designators to all instances:
  
  Go to the configuration model or the relevant object where the characteristic or class is used.
  For each instance of the characteristic or class, assign a unique Reference Designator (Instance Name).
  This can be done in the Class Maintenance (CL02) or Configuration Profile where the characteristic is assigned.
  Ensure that every instance of the characteristic or class has a unique and consistent reference designator.
  
  
  
  Check the BOM and Class Assignments:
  
  Verify that the BOM items or class assignments that use the characteristic have proper instance names.
  If you are using multiple instances of the same component, each should have a unique reference designator.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  Use CU50 (Configuration Model) or CU51 (Class Maintenance) to check and assign reference designators.
  Use CS02 or CS03 to check BOM items and their instance names.
  
  
  
  Consistency Check:
  
  Run consistency checks for the configuration model to ensure all instances are properly assigned.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Reference Designator / Instance Name:
  
  This is a key concept in SAP Variant Configuration that allows the system to differentiate between multiple instances of the same characteristic or component.
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:  
  
  SAP Note 123456 (example) might provide specific instructions or patches related to this error.
  SAP Help Portal on Variant Configuration and Class Maintenance.
  
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  CU50 – Configuration Model
  CU51 – Class Maintenance
  CL02 – Change Class
  CS02 – Change BOM
  
  
  
  Additional Tips:
  
  Always maintain unique reference designators when modeling complex products with multiple instances of the same component.
  Review the configuration profile and class assignments carefully.
  If you are using external tools or interfaces to upload configuration data, ensure that the reference designators are included and correctly mapped.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific context or transaction where you encountered this error, I can help with more tailored steps.