How To Fix AY118 - Not possible to mark for deletion (functional location exists)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AY - Deprec. simulation - maint. module (AIPS) /gen. master data

• Message number: 118

• Message text: Not possible to mark for deletion (functional location exists)

What causes this issue?

It is not possible to mark the asset &V1& sub-number &V2& for deletion,
because the asset is linked to a functional location.

System Response

The delete flag is not set.

How to fix this error?

First you have to delete the link to the functional location. Then you
can set the delete flag.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AY118 - Not possible to mark for deletion (functional location exists) ?

  The SAP error message AY118, which states "Not possible to mark for deletion (functional location exists)," typically occurs when you attempt to mark a functional location for deletion in the SAP system, but there are existing references or dependencies associated with that functional location. This is a common issue in SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) or Asset Management (AM) modules.
  Cause:
  
  Existing References: The functional location you are trying to delete has existing references, such as maintenance orders, notifications, or other functional locations that depend on it.
  Hierarchy Structure: The functional location may be part of a hierarchy, and deleting it could disrupt the structure.
  Active Data: There may be active data or transactions linked to the functional location that prevent it from being marked for deletion.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check for Dependencies:
  
  Use transaction codes like IL03 (Display Functional Location) to check if there are any existing maintenance orders, notifications, or other references linked to the functional location.
  Review the functional location's hierarchy to see if it is a parent or child of other locations.
  
  
  
  Delete or Archive References:
  
  If there are maintenance orders or notifications, consider closing or deleting them if they are no longer needed.
  If the functional location is part of a hierarchy, you may need to adjust the hierarchy by moving or deleting child locations first.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Code IL02:
  
  If you have confirmed that there are no active references, you can try to mark the functional location for deletion using transaction code IL02 (Change Functional Location). In the deletion flag field, set the deletion indicator.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator:
  
  If you are unable to identify the dependencies or if the functional location is critical, consult with your SAP administrator or a functional consultant for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Functional Location: A functional location is a place where maintenance activities are performed. It can represent a physical location, such as a machine or a section of a plant.
  Deletion Indicator: In SAP, marking an object for deletion does not immediately remove it from the database; it simply flags it for deletion, and it will be removed during the next data archiving process.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  IL01: Create Functional Location
  IL02: Change Functional Location
  IL03: Display Functional Location
  IW38: Change PM Orders
  IW29: Display PM Notifications
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the AY118 error and successfully mark the functional location for deletion if it is appropriate to do so.