How To Fix WRF_APC018 - Characteristic value &1 is already assigned to material &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_APC - Messages for Operational Assortment Planning and Control

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Characteristic value &1 is already assigned to material &2

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_APC018 - Characteristic value &1 is already assigned to material &2 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WRF_APC018: Characteristic value &1 is already assigned to material &2
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This error occurs in the context of Variant Configuration (VC) in SAP, specifically when you try to assign a characteristic value to a material, but that characteristic value is already assigned to another material.
  
  Characteristic (KSSK): A feature or attribute used in variant configuration.
  Characteristic Value (KSML): The specific value of a characteristic.
  Material (MARA/MARC): The product or material master record.
  
  In variant configuration, each characteristic value should uniquely identify a variant or a material. If you attempt to assign a characteristic value that is already linked to a different material, SAP throws this error to prevent duplicate assignments that could cause inconsistencies in variant determination.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During the creation or change of a material variant.
  When assigning characteristic values in the classification system.
  When maintaining dependencies or variant tables.
  During configuration profile or class maintenance.
  
  
  Cause Summary:
  
  The characteristic value you are trying to assign is already linked to another material.
  This violates the uniqueness constraint in variant configuration.
  Possibly caused by incorrect master data maintenance or misunderstanding of characteristic value assignments.
  
  
  Solution / How to Fix:
  
  
  Check Existing Assignments:
  
  Use transaction CL20N (Display Object List) or CL30N to find where the characteristic value is assigned.
  Check the classification data for the characteristic value and see which material it is assigned to.
  
  
  
  Correct the Assignment:
  
  If the characteristic value should be unique, remove or change the assignment from the other material.
  If the characteristic value is meant to be shared, reconsider the design of your variant configuration or classification.
  
  
  
  Review Variant Configuration Setup:
  
  Ensure that characteristic values are uniquely assigned to materials or variants.
  Check the class and characteristic settings in CL02 (Change Class) and CT04 (Change Characteristic).
  
  
  
  Adjust Master Data:
  
  If necessary, create new characteristic values for different materials to avoid conflicts.
  Avoid reusing characteristic values across different materials unless explicitly allowed.
  
  
  
  Consult with Functional Team:
  
  Sometimes, the issue arises due to misunderstanding of variant configuration logic.
  Discuss with the configuration or master data team to align on the correct approach.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  CL02 - Change Class
  CT04 - Change Characteristic
  CL20N - Display Object List (to find assignments)
  MM02 - Change Material Master (to check classification tab)
  
  
  
  Tables:
  
  KSSK - Characteristic values
  AUSP - Characteristic values assigned to objects (materials)
  MARA / MARC - Material master tables
  
  
  
  Notes / SAP Documentation:
  
  SAP Note related to variant configuration and characteristic value assignments.
  Variant Configuration guides explaining uniqueness of characteristic values.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WRF_APC018 indicates a conflict where a characteristic value is already assigned to another material, violating the uniqueness rule in variant configuration. To resolve it, identify the conflicting assignment and correct the master data or variant configuration setup accordingly.
  
  If you need help with specific steps or transactions, feel free to ask!