JinJin48

SAP Consultant | BTP · S/4HANA · US Global Rollout

June 25, 2026 · 11 min read

SAP PP Characteristic

The Characteristic is the master data object that defines a single classifiable attribute — its data type, allowed values, and search relevance. In the SAP Classification system, a Characteristic is assigned to a Class (PP-A06-01), and the Class is in turn assigned to a Material Master. Together, these three objects enable consultants to search, group, and filter materials by any attribute that the standard Material Master fields do not capture. This article describes the Characteristic from first principles, then maps every field PP consultants configure in transaction CT04.

Part 1: Characteristic — Core Concepts (All Modules)#

1.1 What Is the Characteristic?#

A Characteristic is a named attribute definition — analogous to a metadata field schema — that specifies what values an object can carry. By itself it holds no value; value is assigned when the Characteristic is attached to a specific object instance (e.g., a material or a batch). The Characteristic defines the rules: what type of value is allowed, what the units are, and whether a restricted list of values applies.

1.2 Characteristic Data Types and Value Structures#

The Data Type of a Characteristic is the most consequential design decision: it determines how values are stored, compared, and searched. Choosing the wrong data type forces a recreation of the Characteristic — existing assignments cannot be migrated automatically.

Design principle: Use CHAR for all coded or free-text attributes. Use NUM for any attribute that will be used in range searches, calculations, or variant configuration pricing conditions. Avoid creating CHAR characteristics for numeric values — they sort lexicographically, not numerically, breaking range queries.

1.3 Organizational Levels and Data Hierarchy#

Data hierarchy with a concrete example

Client
   │
   ├── Class "STEEL_GRADE"
   │      Class Type 001 (Material)
   │      │
   │      ├── Characteristic "TENSILE_STRENGTH"
   │      │      Numeric, Unit MPa
   │      │      └── Allowed Values: optional restriction
   │      │
   │      ├── Characteristic "MATERIAL_GRADE"
   │      │      Character — S355
   │      │      └── Allowed Values: S235 / S275 / S355
   │      │
   │      └── Characteristic "COATING_TYPE"
   │             Character — Galvanized
   │             └── Allowed Values: Galvanized / Painted / None
   │
   └── Material RM-2001
          Steel Coil, Grade S355
          ── assigned to ──> Class "STEEL_GRADE"
          TENSILE_STRENGTH = 355 MPa
          MATERIAL_GRADE = S355
          COATING_TYPE = Galvanized

1.4 Integration with Other Master Data Objects#

The Characteristic does not stand alone. Its value is realized only through its assignment to a Class, and the Class’s assignment to objects such as the Material Master.

Part 2: PP-Specific Field Details#

2.0 Scope of PP Ownership#

Legend: ◎ = Owner / Critical, ○ = Direct involvement

2.1 Basic Data#

The Basic Data tab (CT04, first screen) defines the structural identity of the Characteristic. These fields are set once at creation; most cannot be changed after values have been assigned to objects without significant data remediation effort.

2.2 Values (Restricted Value List)#

When the Restriction Indicator is set on the Basic Data tab, the Values tab (CT04) becomes active. This tab defines the allowed enumeration of values — only entries in this list can be assigned to classified objects.

Prerequisite: The Restriction Indicator in the Basic Data tab must be set before the Values tab activates. Once values have been assigned to classified objects, removing the restriction requires a full recheck of existing assignments — plan this carefully if discovered late in the project.

2.3 Additional Data#

The Additional Data tab controls how the Characteristic behaves in search, user entry, and multi-value scenarios. These settings are often overlooked during initial setup and later become a source of search and user experience issues.

2.4 Descriptions#

The Descriptions tab (CT04) holds the language-dependent display text for the Characteristic itself. This is distinct from the value descriptions in the Values tab — it describes what the Characteristic measures, not what its values mean.

Prerequisite: At minimum, create descriptions in EN (English) and JA (Japanese) before the Characteristic is used in production. Missing language entries are one of the most common issues raised during go-live readiness reviews for Japan-based implementations.

What to Read Next#

L1) Big Picture

L2-A) Master Data

L2-B) Transaction