Data Type change of Characteristics

[Former Member]

Dear Experts,

we have one Z characteristics in system. ZAP_EHS_1013_003_VALUE. As per the requirement, I wanted to change the 'data type' of this characteristics from "Character Format" to " Numeric Format".

I have gone to CT04 in change mode but I found that, this field is not available for editing.

Can you please advise, now how to change the Data Type of this characteristics.

Thanking You,

Regards

Amol Joshi

[former_member196490 · Accepted solution]

The characteristic seems to be in use and changing the datatype would create inconsistencies, hence it is greyed out.

Delete the characteristic and re-create it.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Neha,

Thanks for the repartee.

Deletion is the last option. I have already explored this option. This issue is in productive system which means lots of Approvals as well as require impact analysis on respective class and property tree.

Regards

Amol

[christoph_bergemann · Accepted solution]

Dear Amol

proposal:

1.) create new characteristic with the "wished" data type

2.) link the new characteristic to the same class and bring/transport it to prod system.

3.) create e.g an expert rule set (or e.g. a userexit based function module) to read the data (proposal: only try it for active VATs) do some mapping (old characteristic  new characteristic) and write it back to database

4.) remove the characteristic from the class so that nobody can maintain it any more

Other options are:

Don't go on with a rule set but write a "one and only" ABAP report to do so and execute it as background job (on weekend; no user should be editing the data here).

To help "business" you could define specs in "packages" so that is know on whcih spexc maintenance would be allowed and which not.

Afterwards you need to may be execuet some minor tasks as may be create new report symbol, check e.g. any WWI template if the old one is still used etc.

PLease check othee class/chaarcteristic based options as well. SAP is delivering a high number of "mass data operation there (most related to deletion but it could make sense to infest some time regarding further options)

Other options as well could be:

start with completely new value assignment type and class; do the "same" mapping as above and then remove old VAT from property tree

In any case there is a big but ! As you may be now: EH&S does write changes in CDHDR, CDPOS; therefore if you go on as proposed you can get "strange" results looking back in history; it is not a good idea to manipulate CDHDR and CDPOS.

A further idea could be: go on as proposed but change the old characteristic to "display" only (this is possible if i remember correct); Now in the class you would have old and new value at the same time and may be this approach fits better the business demand

C.B.

[rambabu_k3 · Accepted solution]

Hi Amol,

Try using FM BUS1088_DATABASE_UPDATE.

Thanks

Rambabu

[christoph_bergemann · Accepted solution]

Dear Amol

may be check as well:

http://help.sap.com/printdocu/core/print46c/en/data/pdf/CACLCHR/CACLCHR.pdf

Chapter: Allowed Changes to Characteristics

C.B.

PS: May be check OSS note: 728636