How To Fix CL099 - You cannot delete characteristic & due to assignment

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CL - Classification

• Message number: 099

• Message text: You cannot delete characteristic & due to assignment

What causes this issue?

Once a class has more than 400 objects allocated to it, the only way to
delete characteristics from the class is to choose <LS>Edit -> Special
functions -> Delete char. w. vals </> from the initial screen of class
maintenance.
<DS:GLOS.reference_characteristic>Reference characteristics</> are the
only exception to this rule.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

How to fix this error?

If you want to delete a characteristic from a class with more than 400
objects allocated to it, choose this function or start report RMCLMDEL.
If a large number of objects (more than 50) are allocated to the class,
run this program in the background to avoid runtime problems.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CL099 - You cannot delete characteristic & due to assignment ?

  The SAP error message CL099, which states "You cannot delete characteristic & due to assignment," typically occurs when you attempt to delete a characteristic that is still being used in various assignments or dependencies within the SAP system. This is common in the context of classification, where characteristics are linked to classes, objects, or other entities.
  Cause:
  The error arises because:
  
  The characteristic you are trying to delete is assigned to one or more classes or objects in the classification system.
  There may be dependencies or links to other objects that prevent the deletion of the characteristic.
  The characteristic might be used in various master data records, such as material master records, which are still active.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Assignments:
  
  Use transaction code CL02 (Change Class) to check if the characteristic is assigned to any classes.
  Use transaction code CL03 (Display Class) to view the details of the class and see where the characteristic is being used.
  
  
  
  Remove Assignments:
  
  If the characteristic is assigned to a class, you will need to remove it from the class before you can delete it. This can be done in the class maintenance screen.
  If the characteristic is used in any material master records or other objects, you will need to remove it from those records as well.
  
  
  
  Check Dependencies:
  
  Ensure that there are no dependencies or links to other objects that might be preventing the deletion. This may involve checking for any dependent characteristics or classes.
  
  
  
  Delete the Characteristic:
  
  Once all assignments and dependencies have been cleared, you can proceed to delete the characteristic using transaction code CT04 (Change Characteristic).
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of deleting a characteristic, consult your organization's documentation or SAP help resources to understand the impact on existing data.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CL02: Change Class
  CL03: Display Class
  CT04: Change Characteristic
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might provide additional insights or solutions related to this error.
  Authorization: Ensure you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to characteristics and classes in the SAP system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CL099 error and successfully delete the characteristic if it is no longer needed.