How To Fix WRF_CHAR_VAL050 - Change of characteristic type not possible; characteristic is being used

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_CHAR_VAL - Messages for Package WRF_CHARACTERISTIC_VALUE_GRP

• Message number: 050

• Message text: Change of characteristic type not possible; characteristic is being used

What causes this issue?

If the characteristic is already assigned to a material group hierarchy
level, a material group, or a characteristic profile, the characteristic
with the current characteristic type may be used in operative
applications, which means changing the characterstic type could result
in inconsistent data.
For this reason, you cannot change the characteristic type if one or
more assignments exist.

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?

Try to delete all existing assignments of the characteristic. If this is
possible, the characteristic is not used by any materials. You can
change the characteristic type. Then assign the characteristic again.

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 WRF_CHAR_VAL050 - Change of characteristic type not possible; characteristic is being used ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WRF_CHAR_VAL050
  
  Text: Change of characteristic type not possible; characteristic is being used
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to change the data type or type of a characteristic in SAP (e.g., in Classification or Variant Configuration) that is already in use. The characteristic is assigned to objects such as:
  
  Material master records
  Classifications
  Bills of Materials (BOMs)
  Variant configuration models
  Classification objects
  Characteristics values already maintained or used in transactional data
  
  Because the characteristic is actively used, changing its type (e.g., from numeric to char, or single value to multiple values) is not allowed to maintain data consistency and integrity.
  
  Explanation:
  
  Characteristics in SAP are defined with a specific data type (CHAR, NUM, DATE, etc.) and value assignment type (single value, multiple values, interval, etc.).
  Once a characteristic is assigned and values are maintained or used in documents, changing its fundamental type can cause inconsistencies.
  SAP prevents such changes to avoid data corruption or loss.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Usage:
  
  Identify where the characteristic is used.
  Use transaction codes like CL20N (Display Object List) or CL30N (Display Class) to find objects using the characteristic.
  Check if the characteristic is assigned to materials, BOMs, or variant configuration models.
  
  
  
  Remove Usage:
  
  If possible, remove the characteristic from all objects where it is assigned.
  Delete or archive any existing characteristic values maintained in master data or transactional data.
  This might involve:
  
  Removing the characteristic from classification assignments.
  Deleting characteristic values from material master or other objects.
  Removing characteristic from variant configuration models.
  
  
  
  
  
  Change Characteristic Type:
  
  Once the characteristic is no longer in use, you can change its type in transaction CT04 (Change Characteristic).
  Make the required changes to the characteristic type or value assignment.
  
  
  
  Reassign Characteristic:
  
  After the change, reassign the characteristic to the relevant objects.
  Re-maintain characteristic values as needed.
  
  
  
  
  Important Notes:
  
  Backup Data: Before removing characteristic assignments or deleting values, ensure you have a backup or have documented existing data.
  Impact Analysis: Changing characteristic types can have wide impact on master data, reports, and processes.
  Transport Requests: Changes to characteristics are typically transported across systems; ensure proper transport management.
  Consult Functional Team: Coordinate with the functional team (e.g., MM, PP, QM) to understand the impact.
  
  
  Related Transactions and Tools:
  
  CT04 – Change Characteristic
  CL20N – Display Object List (to find where characteristic is used)
  CL30N – Display Class
  MM02 – Change Material Master (to check characteristic assignments)
  CU50 – Change Variant Configuration Model
  SE16 / SE16N – To check tables like CABN (Characteristic), CAWN (Characteristic values), KLAH (Class header), KSSK (Characteristic assignment)
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to change characteristic type while characteristic is assigned and in use
  
  
  Effect
  SAP blocks the change to prevent data inconsistency
  
  
  Solution
  Remove characteristic usage from all objects, delete characteristic values, then change
  
  
  Tools
  CT04, CL20N, CL30N, MM02, CU50
  
  
  Precautions
  Backup data, analyze impact, coordinate with functional teams
  
  
  
  
  If you need help identifying where the characteristic is used or how to safely remove it, please provide the characteristic name and system details.