How To Fix BM005 - Entry cannot be deleted while in use

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BM - Development class BZME - units of measure

• Message number: 005

• Message text: Entry cannot be deleted while in use

What causes this issue?

You tried to delete an entry that is being used in table &V1& &V2&
(entry &V3& &V4&).

System Response

The entry was not deleted.

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 BM005 - Entry cannot be deleted while in use ?

  The SAP error message BM005, which states "Entry cannot be deleted while in use," typically occurs when you attempt to delete a master data entry (such as a material, vendor, or customer) that is currently being referenced or utilized in the system. This can happen for various reasons, including:
  Causes:
  
  Active Transactions: The entry you are trying to delete is currently being used in an active transaction, such as a purchase order, sales order, or production order.
  Dependencies: There may be dependent records or linked data that reference the entry, preventing its deletion.
  Status of the Entry: The entry might be in a status that does not allow deletion, such as being marked as "active" or "in use."
  User Authorizations: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to delete the entry, leading to this error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check for Active Transactions: Review the system for any active transactions that reference the entry. You can use transaction codes like ME23N (Display Purchase Order) or VA03 (Display Sales Order) to check for references.
  Delete Dependent Records: If there are dependent records, you may need to delete or archive those records first before attempting to delete the master entry.
  Change Status: If applicable, change the status of the entry to a state that allows deletion (e.g., mark it as inactive).
  Use Transaction Codes: Use specific transaction codes to check for dependencies. For example, you can use:
  
  MMBE for material stock overview.
  MB51 for material document list.
  SE16N to check database tables for references.
  
  
  Consult with IT or SAP Basis: If you are unable to identify the cause or resolve the issue, consult with your IT department or SAP Basis team for further assistance. They may have access to logs or tools that can help identify the problem.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for the specific module you are working with (e.g., MM for materials management, SD for sales and distribution) for more details on data management and deletion processes.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform deletion operations in the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the BM005 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.