How To Fix C$188 - Specification key & is tagged as deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: C$ -

• Message number: 188

• Message text: Specification key & is tagged as deleted

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message C$188 - Specification key & is tagged as deleted ?

  The SAP error message C$188, which states that "Specification key & is tagged as deleted," typically occurs in the context of material specifications or quality management in SAP. This error indicates that the specification key you are trying to access or use has been marked as deleted in the system, which means it is no longer available for use in processes such as quality inspections, material management, or other related functions.
  Cause:
  
  Deleted Specification: The specification key you are trying to use has been marked as deleted in the system. This could happen due to data maintenance activities where specifications are no longer needed.
  Data Integrity Issues: There may be inconsistencies in the database or issues with data integrity that lead to the system not recognizing the specification key correctly.
  User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to access the specification, especially if it has been archived or deleted.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Specification Status: Verify the status of the specification key in the system. You can do this by navigating to the relevant transaction (e.g., QS21 for specifications) and checking if the specification is indeed marked as deleted.
  Restore or Reactivate: If the specification is needed, you may need to restore or reactivate it. This typically involves changing the status of the specification from deleted to active, which may require appropriate permissions.
  Create a New Specification: If the deleted specification is no longer needed, consider creating a new specification with the required details.
  Consult with IT or SAP Support: If you are unsure about how to proceed or if the issue persists, consult with your IT department or SAP support team for assistance. They can help you investigate the issue further and provide guidance on how to resolve it.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as QS21 (Create Specification), QS22 (Change Specification), and QS23 (Display Specification) to manage specifications effectively.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary roles and permissions to access and modify specifications in SAP.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for more detailed information on managing specifications and understanding error messages.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the C$188 error and manage your specifications effectively in SAP.