Defects cannot be recorded for the characteristic

What causes this issue?

The assignment of defects for the current inspection lot is possible
for the inspection lot or operation only.
An assignment of defects to the characteristic is possible only within
the functions for recording characteristic results.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.