How To Fix WSTRN084 - Characteristics for generic and reference articles differ

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSTRN - Message for Prepack Creation and Planning Dialog

• Message number: 084

• Message text: Characteristics for generic and reference articles differ

What causes this issue?

The characteristic of the reference generic article are not the same as
those of the generic article

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?

Enter a reference generic article with the same characteristics as the
generic article.

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 WSTRN084 - Characteristics for generic and reference articles differ ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WSTRN084 - Characteristics for generic and reference articles differ
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs during the configuration or assignment of characteristics in variant configuration scenarios, specifically when dealing with generic articles and their reference articles. The system expects that the characteristics assigned to a generic article and its reference article(s) should be consistent or compatible.
  
  Generic articles are used as templates or models that can be referenced by other articles (reference articles).
  When the characteristics (class characteristics) assigned to the generic article differ from those assigned to the reference article, the system raises this error.
  This inconsistency can cause problems in variant configuration, pricing, or BOM explosion because the system cannot reconcile the differences in characteristics.
  
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During the creation or change of a material master for a reference article.
  When assigning or changing characteristics in classification for generic/reference articles.
  During variant configuration or when copying characteristics from generic to reference articles.
  When using configuration profiles or class assignments that expect identical characteristic sets.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristics Assignment:
  
  Go to transaction CL02 (Change Class) or MM02 (Change Material Master) and verify the characteristics assigned to both the generic article and the reference article.
  Ensure that the characteristics assigned to the reference article are a subset or exactly the same as those assigned to the generic article.
  
  
  
  Align Characteristics:
  
  Add missing characteristics to the reference article to match the generic article.
  Or remove extra characteristics from the reference article that are not present in the generic article.
  The goal is to have consistent characteristic sets.
  
  
  
  Check Class Types:
  
  Both generic and reference articles should be assigned to the same class type (e.g., 300 for material classes).
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Profiles:
  
  If variant configuration profiles are used, ensure that the profiles assigned to generic and reference articles are compatible.
  
  
  
  Use SAP Notes / Support:
  
  If the problem persists, check for relevant SAP Notes or patches that address this issue.
  Sometimes, inconsistencies arise due to system bugs or version incompatibilities.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Variant Configuration (LO-VC): This error is common in variant configuration scenarios where generic/reference articles are used to simplify master data maintenance.
  Material Master (MM): Characteristics are maintained in material classification.
  Classification System: Characteristics are assigned via classes to materials.
  Transactions:
  
  CL02 - Change Class
  MM02 - Change Material Master
  CU50 - Change Configuration Profile
  
  
  SAP Notes: Search for notes related to WSTRN084 or variant configuration characteristic inconsistencies.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Characteristics assigned to generic and reference articles differ, causing inconsistency.
  
  
  Effect
  Variant configuration or material classification errors during processing.
  
  
  Solution
  Align characteristics between generic and reference articles to be consistent.
  
  
  Transactions
  CL02, MM02, CU50
  
  
  Related Areas
  Variant Configuration, Material Classification, BOM Explosion
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., transaction, process step), I can help with more specific instructions.