How To Fix WXCM101 - There is a circular dependency between the attributes

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WXCM - Messages for Package CM_MAP

• Message number: 101

• Message text: There is a circular dependency between the attributes

<ZH>&CAUSE&</>
With the context structures for the attributes in the planning
hierarchy, you define the characteristics on which the characteristic
values of the attribute are dependent. Through this dependency of
attributes, a sequence is determined, in which the characteristic
values of the attributes are defined.
In principle, it is possible that the characterisitc value of an
attribute is dependent on the characteristic value of another
attribute. In certain cases, this leads to the problem of <ZK>circular
dependencies</>.
<ZH>Example:</>
The levels material group (MATKL), country (LAND) and branch (WERKS)
are contained in the planning hierarchy. The planning level material
group is a component of the specified master data hierarchy. The
country and branch are not contained in the master data hierarchy. They
are, therefore, attributes.
The planning level WERKS must contain all branches that have the
corresponding material groups within the particular country (LAND) in
their assortment. For the attribute WERKS, the context structure
therefore contains the planning levels MATKL (component of the master
data hierarchy) and LAND (attribute)
You still have to determine how the attribute LAND is to be filled. If
you want to see the country independently of the branches (perhaps to
determine the country of the branch from the adress data), the
following occurs: The context structure for the attribute LAND contains
the attribute WERKS. This is in accordance with its context structure
but in turn it is dependent on the attribute LAND!
This is a circular dependency: Between attributes there is a chain of
mutual dependencies, without a "start" in the chain:
Attr1 -> Attr2 -> .... -> AttrN -> Attr1.
In the case of circular dependencies, the system cannot determine the
attributes to be defined or in what order.

System Response

The system could not create the planning hierarchy.

How to fix this error?

Check the relevant context structures for the attributes. Remove the
circular dependencies and begin constructing the planning hierarchy
from master data again.

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 WXCM101 - There is a circular dependency between the attributes ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WXCM101 – There is a circular dependency between the attributes
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP when defining characteristics or attributes in Classification or Variant Configuration (LO-VC) and there is a circular dependency between these attributes. In other words, attribute A depends on attribute B, and attribute B depends on attribute A either directly or through a chain of dependencies, creating a loop.
  Such circular dependencies are not allowed because they cause infinite loops or inconsistencies during configuration or classification processing.
  
  Where it typically occurs:
  
  Variant Configuration (VC) in SAP (e.g., in dependencies, constraints, or characteristic value assignments)
  Classification system when defining characteristics and their dependencies
  When using formulas, constraints, or preconditions that reference each other circularly
  
  
  Explanation:
  
  Circular dependency means that the system cannot determine the order in which attributes should be evaluated because each attribute depends on the other.
  For example:
  
  Attribute A’s value depends on Attribute B’s value.
  Attribute B’s value depends on Attribute A’s value.
  
  
  This creates a loop, and SAP throws WXCM101 to prevent runtime errors.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Analyze the dependencies:
  
  Review the dependencies, constraints, or formulas involving the attributes mentioned.
  Identify the chain of dependencies and find where the loop occurs.
  
  
  
  Break the circular reference:
  
  Modify the dependencies so that the attributes do not depend on each other in a loop.
  Change the logic so that one attribute is independent or depends only on attributes that do not depend back on it.
  
  
  
  Use intermediate attributes if necessary:
  
  Sometimes introducing an intermediate characteristic or attribute can help break the circular chain.
  
  
  
  Check dependency types:
  
  Ensure that dependencies are correctly defined (e.g., preconditions, selection conditions, constraints) and do not cause circular references.
  
  
  
  Test after changes:
  
  After modifying dependencies, test the configuration or classification to ensure the error is resolved and the logic works as intended.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  SAP Knowledge Base Articles (KBAs) related to variant configuration and classification dependencies.
  SAP Help Portal on Variant Configuration and Classification.
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CL02 – Change Characteristics
  CU01 – Create Characteristic
  CU50 – Dependency Editor
  
  
  Tools:
  
  Use the dependency editor (CU50) to visualize and analyze dependencies.
  Use trace tools or debugging to analyze runtime behavior if needed.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Circular dependency between attributes in classification or variant configuration.
  Effect: System cannot resolve attribute evaluation order, causing error WXCM101.
  Solution: Identify and break the circular dependency by adjusting dependencies or logic.
  
  
  If you provide the specific attributes or dependencies involved, I can help analyze the circular dependency in more detail.