How To Fix WRF_APC148 - More than 3 variant-creating characteristics are not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 148

• Message text: More than 3 variant-creating characteristics are not possible

What causes this issue?

A generic material may have more than 3 variant-creating
characteristics. However, in Operational Assortment Planning and
Control, you are limited to a maximum of 3.

System Response

Processing cannot continue.

How to fix this error?

If you are trying to load an existing generic material into a purchasing
list, select a different generic material.
If you are trying to create a new planned material, select a different
material group / combination of material group / characteristic profile.
If you are trying to load a PRICAT item into a purchasing list, select a
different material group / combination of material group /
characteristic profile. If the PRICAT item itself has more than 3
variant-creating characteristics, select a different PRICAT item.

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_APC148 - More than 3 variant-creating characteristics are not possible ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation of the SAP error message WRF_APC148: More than 3 variant-creating characteristics are not possible:
  
  Error Message
  WRF_APC148: More than 3 variant-creating characteristics are not possible
  
  Cause
  This error occurs in the context of SAP Variant Configuration (LO-VC) or Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) when you try to define more than three characteristics as variant-creating in a product or a model.
  
  In SAP, variant-creating characteristics are those characteristics that define different product variants.
  The system has a standard limitation of 3 variant-creating characteristics for certain scenarios, especially in APO SNP/PPDS or when integrating variant configuration with planning.
  This limitation is due to the way the system handles variant combinations and planning heuristics, which become exponentially complex with more variant-creating characteristics.
  
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When you try to assign more than 3 characteristics as variant-creating in the characteristic assignment or in the variant configuration model.
  During the integration of variant configuration with APO, especially in SNP (Supply Network Planning) or PP/DS (Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling).
  When creating or maintaining a product with variant configuration in APO or ERP that is planned in APO.
  
  
  Solution / How to resolve
  
  
  Reduce the number of variant-creating characteristics to 3 or less:
  
  Review the characteristics assigned as variant-creating.
  Identify which characteristics are essential for variant creation.
  Remove or convert less critical characteristics to non-variant-creating (e.g., classification characteristics or selection characteristics).
  
  
  
  Use alternative modeling approaches:
  
  Instead of using many variant-creating characteristics, consider using superordinate characteristics or characteristic dependencies to reduce complexity.
  Use characteristic value combinations or predefined variants to limit the number of variant-creating characteristics.
  
  
  
  Check system settings and notes:
  
  Sometimes, SAP releases notes or support packages that may increase this limit or provide alternative solutions.
  Check SAP OSS notes related to WRF_APC148 for any updates or patches.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP documentation and experts:
  
  Variant configuration and APO integration is complex; consulting SAP help or a specialist may help redesign the product model.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Variant Configuration (LO-VC): Variant-creating characteristics define the product variants.
  APO SNP/PPDS: Planning tools that use variant configuration data for planning.
  Characteristic assignment: In the product master or class, characteristics can be marked as variant-creating.
  SAP Notes: Search for notes related to WRF_APC148 or variant configuration limits.
  Transaction Codes: CU50 (Class maintenance), CU41 (Characteristic maintenance), CU51 (Characteristic assignment), /SAPAPO/MC90 (Product master in APO).
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WRF_APC148: More than 3 variant-creating characteristics are not possible
  
  
  Cause
  System limitation of max 3 variant-creating characteristics in variant configuration/APO integration
  
  
  Solution
  Reduce variant-creating characteristics to 3 or less; redesign model; check SAP notes
  
  
  Related modules
  SAP Variant Configuration (LO-VC), APO SNP/PPDS
  
  
  Transactions
  CU50, CU41, CU51, /SAPAPO/MC90
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with a specific system or scenario, please provide more details!