How To Fix WXP086 - Classification system characteristic &3 belongs to type &4, not CHAR

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WXP - Retail Planning

• Message number: 086

• Message text: Classification system characteristic &3 belongs to type &4, not CHAR

What causes this issue?

You have assigned the meaning "Classification System Characteristic
&V1&" to planning characteristic &V2&. Planning characteristics that
are classification system characteristics must relate to the
characteristics (type CHAR) for the classification system. The
characteristic belonging to classification system &V3& that you entered
does in fact belong to type &V4&.

System Response

The planning scenario cannot be activated.

How to fix this error?

Define a different classification system characteristic or change the
data type for classification system characteristic &V3& to
"character-related".

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 WXP086 - Classification system characteristic &3 belongs to type &4, not CHAR ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WXP086: Classification system characteristic &3 belongs to type &4, not CHAR
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when there is a mismatch between the expected data type and the actual data type of a characteristic in the classification system.
  
  The system expects the characteristic to be of type CHAR (character/string), but the characteristic actually belongs to a different data type (e.g., NUM, DATE, CURR, QUAN, etc.).
  This typically happens when a program or function module tries to process or handle a characteristic assuming it is of type CHAR, but the characteristic is defined differently in the classification system.
  
  
  Explanation:
  
  Characteristics in SAP classification can have different data types:
  
  CHAR (Character/String)
  NUM (Numeric)
  DATE (Date)
  CURR (Currency)
  QUAN (Quantity)
  etc.
  
  
  If your code or configuration expects a characteristic to be CHAR but it is defined as, for example, NUM, the system raises this warning to indicate the type mismatch.
  This is important because processing logic, input handling, or UI rendering depends on the correct data type.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the characteristic definition:
  
  Go to transaction CL02 (Change Characteristic) or CL03 (Display Characteristic).
  Enter the characteristic name (the value of &3 in the message).
  Verify the data type of the characteristic (the value of &4 in the message).
  
  
  
  Adjust your program or configuration:
  
  If your program expects a CHAR type, but the characteristic is not CHAR, you need to:
  
  Modify the program logic to handle the actual data type.
  Or, if appropriate, change the characteristic's data type to CHAR (only if this does not affect other processes).
  
  
  
  
  
  Use appropriate data handling:
  
  When reading or writing characteristic values, use the correct data type handling methods.
  For example, if the characteristic is NUM, use numeric processing functions instead of string functions.
  
  
  
  Check classification usage:
  
  Sometimes, the characteristic is used in a context that requires CHAR type (e.g., selection screens, filters).
  Adjust the usage or convert the data properly before processing.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CL02 - Change Characteristic
  CL03 - Display Characteristic
  CL20N - Class Maintenance
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to classification and characteristics data types.
  Review SAP Help Portal documentation on Classification System and Characteristics.
  
  
  
  Programming:
  
  When working with characteristics in ABAP, use the correct data type fields.
  Use function modules like KLAH_READ_CHARACTERISTIC or classes that handle characteristics properly.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  WXP086 warns about a data type mismatch for a classification characteristic.
  Verify the characteristic's data type.
  Adjust your program or configuration to handle the correct data type.
  Avoid forcing a characteristic to CHAR if it is defined otherwise.
  
  
  If you provide the exact context or code snippet where this error occurs, I can help you with a more specific solution.