How To Fix AC471 - Deletion not possible. (Rule &1 exists in asset &2, subno. &3, co.cd. &4)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AC - Error messages from Asset Customizing

• Message number: 471

• Message text: Deletion not possible. (Rule &1 exists in asset &2, subno. &3, co.cd. &4)

What causes this issue?

You want to delete screen layout rule &v1&. However, screen layout
rule &v1& is used in asset &V2&, asset sub-number &v3& in
company code &v4&.

System Response

Deletion is not possible.

How to fix this error?

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 AC471 - Deletion not possible. (Rule &1 exists in asset &2, subno. &3, co.cd. &4) ?

  The SAP error message AC471 indicates that a deletion operation is not possible because a specific rule exists for the asset in question. This error typically arises when you attempt to delete an asset or a related object that is still linked to certain rules or configurations in the system.
  Cause:
  The error message AC471 is triggered due to the following reasons:
  
  Existing Rules: There are rules (like depreciation or valuation rules) associated with the asset that prevent its deletion.
  Subnumber and Company Code: The error message specifies the asset number, subnumber, and company code, indicating that the asset is still active in the system and has dependencies that need to be resolved first.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the AC471 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Asset Rules: 
  
  Use transaction code AS03 (Display Asset) to view the asset details.
  Check for any existing rules associated with the asset. This can include depreciation areas, valuation methods, etc.
  
  
  
  Remove or Modify Rules:
  
  If you find any rules that are preventing deletion, you may need to modify or remove them. This can be done through transaction codes like OAYD (for depreciation areas) or OAYR (for asset classes).
  
  
  
  Deactivate the Asset:
  
  If the asset is no longer needed, consider deactivating it instead of deleting it. You can do this by using transaction code ABAV (Transfer within Company Code) or AB08 (Unplanned Depreciation).
  
  
  
  Check for Related Transactions:
  
  Ensure that there are no open transactions related to the asset, such as ongoing depreciation postings or asset transfers.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP support team for specific guidelines related to asset management and deletion processes.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  You may also use transaction codes like AABO (for asset transfer) or AB01 (for asset acquisition) to manage the asset before attempting deletion.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Asset Accounting (FI-AA): This module deals with the management of fixed assets in SAP. Understanding the rules and configurations in this module is crucial for asset management.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to asset management that might address similar issues.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform asset deletions or modifications.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the AC471 error and take appropriate actions to resolve it.