How To Fix WXP262 - Plan characteristic &1 is used in more than one planning hierarchy level

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WXP - Retail Planning

• Message number: 262

• Message text: Plan characteristic &1 is used in more than one planning hierarchy level

What causes this issue?

The current assignment of <DS:DE.WISP_PLMER>plan characteristics</> to
<DS:DE.WISP_PLSCH>planning steps</> represents a global planning
hierarchy that is not a simple tree structure. This means that the
proportional factors for distributing planning data between planning
levels is no longer clearly defined and that mutual dependencies have
appeared.

System Response

The <DS:DE.WISP_PLSZN>planning scenario</> cannot be activated.

How to fix this error?

Change the assignment of plan characteristics to planning steps in
planning step maintenance.
You can find examples of consistent and inconsistent assignments in the
documentation for Merchandise & Assortment Planning (MAP).

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 WXP262 - Plan characteristic &1 is used in more than one planning hierarchy level ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WXP262: "Plan characteristic &1 is used in more than one planning hierarchy level":
  
  Error Message
  WXP262: Plan characteristic &1 is used in more than one planning hierarchy level
  
  Cause
  This error occurs in SAP APO (Advanced Planning and Optimization), specifically in the Demand Planning or Supply Network Planning modules, when a plan characteristic (e.g., Product, Location, Customer) is assigned to more than one level in the same planning hierarchy.
  
  A planning hierarchy is a structure that organizes planning objects (characteristics) into levels.
  Each characteristic should appear only once in the hierarchy to avoid ambiguity in planning data aggregation and disaggregation.
  If the same characteristic is assigned to multiple levels, the system cannot determine the correct level for planning data, leading to this error.
  
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During the creation or modification of a planning hierarchy.
  When activating or saving a planning hierarchy.
  When running planning functions that rely on the hierarchy structure.
  
  
  Solution
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that each plan characteristic is assigned to only one level in the planning hierarchy:
  
  
  Check the Planning Hierarchy Definition:
  
  Go to transaction /SAPAPO/PLH1 (or the relevant planning hierarchy maintenance transaction).
  Review the levels and the assigned plan characteristics.
  
  
  
  Identify Duplicate Characteristics:
  
  Look for the characteristic mentioned in the error message (represented by &1).
  Find all levels where this characteristic is assigned.
  
  
  
  Remove or Reassign the Duplicate Characteristic:
  
  Decide which level should contain the characteristic.
  Remove the characteristic from the other level(s).
  Save and activate the hierarchy again.
  
  
  
  Validate the Hierarchy:
  
  Ensure the hierarchy is consistent and activated without errors.
  Test planning functions to confirm the issue is resolved.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information
  
  Plan Characteristics: These are key fields used in planning, such as Product, Location, Customer, etc.
  Planning Hierarchy Levels: Each level represents a granularity or aggregation level in planning.
  Impact: Having the same characteristic in multiple levels can cause incorrect data aggregation, planning errors, or system inconsistencies.
  Best Practice: Design planning hierarchies carefully to avoid overlapping characteristics.
  
  
  Example
  If your planning hierarchy has:
  
  Level 1: Product
  Level 2: Product, Location
  
  This will cause the error because Product appears in both Level 1 and Level 2. You should remove Product from one of the levels.
  
  If you need further assistance, please provide the specific planning hierarchy and characteristics involved.