How to Fix KI235 Error in SAP: A Comprehensive Guide

The KI235 error in SAP, which reads “No plan data exists for the specified selection,” is a common issue encountered during cost analysis or planning processes. This error indicates that the system cannot find any planned data matching the selection criteria you’ve entered. Addressing this error promptly is crucial for accurate financial reporting and decision-making. This comprehensive guide walks you through the various causes of the KI235 error and provides detailed solutions to resolve it.

Understanding the KI235 Error

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand what triggers the KI235 error. The error arises when SAP attempts to retrieve planned data based on your specified criteria (e.g., cost center, cost element, fiscal year, version) but finds no matching records. This absence of data can stem from several reasons:

  • Incorrect Selection Criteria: You might have entered the wrong cost center, cost element, fiscal year, or version.
  • Missing Plan Data: Plan data might not have been created for the specified period or cost objects.
  • Data Inconsistencies: There might be inconsistencies between master data and planning data.
  • Authorization Issues: You may lack the necessary authorization to access the required plan data.
  • Data Corruption: In rare cases, data corruption can lead to the KI235 error.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix KI235

Here’s a step-by-step approach to resolve the KI235 error:

1. Verify Selection Criteria

The most common cause is simply incorrect selection criteria. Double-check each entry to ensure its accuracy.

  • Cost Center: Verify that the cost center you entered is valid and active for the specified period. Use transaction code KS03 (Display Cost Center) to confirm.
  • Cost Element: Ensure the cost element is correctly entered and relevant to the cost center. Use transaction code KA03 (Display Cost Element) to verify.
  • Fiscal Year: Confirm that the fiscal year is correct. SAP often defaults to the current year, so ensure it matches the period you’re analyzing.
  • Version: The version represents different planning scenarios (e.g., budget, forecast). Check that you’re using the correct version. Version 0 is often the actual data, and other numbers can represent budgets or forecast.
  • Period: Check the period selected is the correct one.

2. Check for Missing Plan Data

If the selection criteria are accurate, the next step is to determine whether plan data exists for the specified period and cost objects.

  • Transaction KP06 (Enter Cost Planning): Use this transaction to manually enter plan data for the cost center and cost element combination for a specific fiscal year and period. If no data exists, create it.
  • Transaction KP26 (Activity Input Planning): If the cost center uses activity types, verify and plan activity inputs for relevant cost elements.
  • Transaction KPF6 (Plan Statistical Key Figures): For statistical key figures relevant to cost allocation, plan data through KPF6.

3. Investigate Data Inconsistencies

Inconsistencies between master data and plan data can also trigger the KI235 error.

  • Cost Center/Cost Element Relationships: Ensure that the cost center and cost element are correctly linked. The cost element should be valid for the cost center.
  • Activity Type Assignment: If activity-based costing is used, verify that the activity types are correctly assigned to the cost centers.

4. Review Authorization Settings

Insufficient authorization can prevent you from accessing plan data. Work with your SAP security team to check your authorizations.

  • Object K_CCA: This authorization object controls access to cost center accounting functions, including planning data.
  • Object K_CSKS: This authorization object controls access to cost centers. Ensure you have display or change authorization for the relevant cost centers.

5. Analyze System Logs and Dumps

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, examine the system logs and dumps for more detailed error messages.

  • Transaction ST22 (ABAP Runtime Errors): Check for any ABAP dumps related to cost planning or analysis. These dumps might provide clues about the root cause of the error.
  • Transaction SM21 (System Log Analysis): Review the system logs for error messages related to cost planning or data access.

6. Consider Data Corruption (Rare)

In rare cases, data corruption can lead to the KI235 error. If you suspect data corruption, contact your SAP Basis team.

  • Database Checks: Your Basis team can perform database checks to identify and correct any data inconsistencies.
  • Restore from Backup: If data corruption is confirmed, restoring from a recent backup might be necessary.

Best Practices to Prevent KI235 Errors

Proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering KI235 errors.

  • Regular Data Validation: Regularly validate your master data and planning data to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • User Training: Provide comprehensive training to users on cost planning processes and SAP transactions.
  • Clear Documentation: Maintain clear documentation of cost planning procedures and data entry guidelines.
  • Periodic System Checks: Conduct periodic system checks to identify and address potential data integrity issues.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the KI235 error in SAP, ensuring accurate cost analysis and planning.