How To Fix AD881 - &-& is reference field for &-&. Deletion not allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AD - Data Dictionary application messages

• Message number: 881

• Message text: &-& is reference field for &-&. Deletion not allowed

What causes this issue?

Reference fields must be specified for fields which contain either
amount specifications or currency amounts. This field is entered as the
reference field of another field. For reasons of consistency, it is
therefore not possible to delete this field.

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?

If it should be necessary to delete the field, you must first remove
the entry as a reference field. You can do this in the single field
maintenance screen of the corresponding table.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AD881 - &-& is reference field for &-&. Deletion not allowed ?

  The SAP error message AD881 typically indicates that you are trying to delete a record that is being referenced by another object or record in the system. This is a common issue in SAP when dealing with master data or transactional data that has dependencies.
  Cause:
  
  Reference Integrity: The record you are trying to delete is linked to other records. For example, if you are trying to delete a customer or vendor record that is still being referenced in open transactions, the system will prevent the deletion to maintain data integrity.
  Configuration Dependencies: In some cases, configuration settings or dependencies in the system may prevent the deletion of certain records.
  Data Relationships: The record may be part of a hierarchy or relationship that requires it to remain in the system.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Dependencies: Before attempting to delete the record, check for any dependencies. You can do this by reviewing related transactions, documents, or master data that reference the record.
  Remove References: If possible, remove or update the references to the record you want to delete. This may involve changing or deleting related transactions or records.
  Use Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE16 (Data Browser) to investigate the database tables and find out where the references are coming from.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files related to the specific object you are trying to delete for any additional constraints or requirements.
  Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to delete the record. Sometimes, authorization issues can also lead to similar error messages.
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP support for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that can help you analyze the data and dependencies, such as SE11, SE16, or the specific transaction related to the object you are working with.
  Data Model: Understanding the data model and relationships in your SAP system can help you identify why a record cannot be deleted.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.