How To Fix WW604 - Characteristics have been overwritten in level &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WW - Material group master maintenance

• Message number: 604

• Message text: Characteristics have been overwritten in level &

What causes this issue?

Characteristics in the target object have been overwritten.

System Response

The status for this object is set to "Checked with errors". The object
cannot be reclassified until the error has been eliminated.

How to fix this error?

Check the characteristics and characteristic values of the two objects
and try to maintain them so that they agree. Possible causes of the
error are as follows:
The "Entry required" indicator has been changed.
The "Additional values" indicator has been changed.
The "Interval values allowed" indicator has been changed.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WW604 - Characteristics have been overwritten in level & ?

  The SAP error message WW604 indicates that characteristics in a specific level of a hierarchy have been overwritten. This typically occurs in the context of SAP's classification system or when dealing with variant configuration, where characteristics are defined for products or materials.
  Cause:
  
  Hierarchy Overwriting: The error usually arises when there are conflicting definitions of characteristics at different levels of a hierarchy. For example, if a characteristic is defined at a higher level and then redefined at a lower level, the system may throw this error to indicate that the lower-level definition is overwriting the higher-level one.
  Data Inconsistency: It can also occur due to inconsistencies in the data, such as when characteristics are not properly assigned or when there are changes in the configuration that have not been updated across all levels.
  Incorrect Configuration: If the configuration settings for the product or material are not set up correctly, it can lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Hierarchy Levels: Check the hierarchy levels where the characteristics are defined. Ensure that the characteristics are consistently defined and that there are no conflicting definitions.
  Adjust Characteristics: If a characteristic is meant to be defined at a higher level, ensure that it is not being redefined at a lower level unless that is the intended behavior. You may need to remove or adjust the lower-level definition.
  Data Consistency Check: Perform a consistency check on the data to ensure that all characteristics are correctly assigned and that there are no discrepancies.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling characteristics in your version of SAP.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance on resolving it.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like CL02 (Change Class) or CL03 (Display Class) to review and modify characteristics.
  Variant Configuration: If you are working with variant configuration, ensure that the configuration profiles are set up correctly and that the characteristics are assigned properly.
  SAP Community: Consider reaching out to the SAP Community or forums for additional insights from other users who may have encountered the same issue.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a consultant who specializes in SAP configuration and classification.