How To Fix WRF_APC023 - A variant with the same characteristic values already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 023

• Message text: A variant with the same characteristic values already exists

What causes this issue?

The material &V1& already has a variant with the following
characteristic values:
&V2&
&V3&
&V4&

System Response

The variant cannot be added.

How to fix this error?

Verify the characteristic values and retry to create the variant.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_APC023 - A variant with the same characteristic values already exists ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WRF_APC023: "A variant with the same characteristic values already exists":
  
  Error Message:
  WRF_APC023
  
  A variant with the same characteristic values already exists.
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP when you try to create or save a variant (often in the context of classification, variant configuration, or variant management) that has the same set of characteristic values as an already existing variant.
  
  In SAP, a variant is defined by a unique combination of characteristic values.
  The system enforces uniqueness to avoid duplicate variants with identical characteristic value combinations.
  When you attempt to create a new variant with characteristic values that exactly match those of an existing variant, the system throws this error.
  
  
  Where does this typically happen?
  
  In Variant Configuration (LOVC, classification, or variant management).
  When maintaining characteristic values in classification.
  When creating or changing material variants or configurable products.
  During variant search or variant creation in sales or production processes.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Variants:
  
  Search for existing variants with the same characteristic values.
  Use transaction codes like CL03 (Display Class), CU03 (Display Variant), or relevant variant management transactions.
  Identify the variant that already has the same characteristic values.
  
  
  
  Modify the Variant:
  
  If you want to create a new variant, change one or more characteristic values so that the combination is unique.
  Alternatively, if the existing variant is sufficient, use that variant instead of creating a new one.
  
  
  
  Delete or Archive Unused Variants:
  
  If the existing variant is obsolete or incorrect, consider deleting or archiving it to free up the characteristic value combination.
  
  
  
  Check for Data Consistency:
  
  Sometimes, inconsistencies or duplicates in the classification data can cause this error.
  Run consistency checks or consult with your SAP Basis/functional team to clean up data.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes or patches if this error occurs unexpectedly or due to system bugs.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  Variant uniqueness is critical in SAP to ensure correct identification and processing of configurable products or classified objects.
  This error helps maintain data integrity and prevents confusion in processes like sales order processing, production planning, or reporting.
  If you are working with variant configuration, ensure that your characteristic values and dependencies are well defined to avoid duplicate variants.
  In some cases, this error might appear during mass data uploads or batch processing; ensure your data load programs check for existing variants before creating new ones.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WRF_APC023: A variant with the same characteristic values already exists
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to create a variant with characteristic values identical to an existing variant
  
  
  Solution
  Check existing variants, modify characteristic values to be unique, or use existing variant
  
  
  Transactions
  CL03, CU03, CU01 (Create Variant), CU02 (Change Variant)
  
  
  Related Areas
  Variant Configuration, Classification, Material Variants
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., transaction code, module, or process where this error occurs), I can give you more tailored advice.