How To Fix CL138 - Characteristic & is in use and cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CL - Classification

• Message number: 138

• Message text: Characteristic & is in use and cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

Characteristic &V1& is used in a material specification in quality
management.

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?

You cannot execute this function until the characteristic is no longer
in use.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CL138 - Characteristic & is in use and cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message CL138 indicates that a characteristic you are trying to delete is currently in use. This typically occurs in the context of classification in SAP, where characteristics are used to define the properties of classes and objects.
  Cause:
  
  Active Assignments: The characteristic is assigned to one or more classes or objects (e.g., materials, equipment, etc.) in the classification system.
  Dependencies: There may be dependencies or links to other objects that prevent the deletion of the characteristic.
  Usage in Master Data: The characteristic might be used in various master data records, such as material master records, which prevents its deletion.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Assignments:
  
  Use transaction code CL02 (Change Characteristic) to check where the characteristic is assigned.
  Look for any classes or objects that are using this characteristic.
  
  
  
  Remove Assignments:
  
  If the characteristic is assigned to classes or objects, you will need to remove these assignments first.
  Navigate to the relevant classes or objects and remove the characteristic from their definitions.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies:
  
  Ensure that there are no dependencies or links that are preventing the deletion. This may involve checking related objects or configurations.
  
  
  
  Delete the Characteristic:
  
  Once all assignments and dependencies are cleared, you can attempt to delete the characteristic again using transaction code CL02.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of deleting a characteristic, consult your organization's documentation or SAP help resources.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CL01: Create Characteristic
  CL02: Change Characteristic
  CL03: Display Characteristic
  CL20N: Class Management
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or updates 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 identify the cause of the error and successfully delete the characteristic if it is no longer needed.