How To Fix CL161 - Inherited characteristic & cannot be deleted from this class

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CL - Classification

• Message number: 161

• Message text: Inherited characteristic & cannot be deleted from this class

What causes this issue?

Characteristic &V1& is inherited from a superior class.

System Response

Inherited characteristics are only displayed and cannot be deleted
from this class.

How to fix this error?

Try to delete the characteristic from the superior class.

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 CL161 - Inherited characteristic & cannot be deleted from this class ?

  The SAP error message CL161 indicates that you are trying to delete an inherited characteristic from a class in the SAP system, but this action is not allowed. In SAP, characteristics can be inherited from superclasses to subclasses, and certain restrictions apply to their deletion.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because:
  
  The characteristic you are trying to delete is inherited from a superclass.
  Inherited characteristics cannot be deleted directly from a subclass since they are part of the class hierarchy.
  The system enforces this rule to maintain the integrity of the class structure and its relationships.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Inheritance: Verify if the characteristic is indeed inherited from a superclass. You can do this by checking the class hierarchy in the Class Builder (transaction code CL02).
  
  
  Delete from Superclass: If you need to remove the characteristic, you must do so from the superclass where it is defined. Navigate to the superclass and delete the characteristic from there.
  
  
  Adjust Class Structure: If you do not want the characteristic to be inherited, consider adjusting the class structure. You may need to redefine the class hierarchy or create a new subclass without the inherited characteristic.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help resources for more information on class and characteristic management.
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If you are unsure about the implications of deleting a characteristic or if you encounter further issues, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for specific guidance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  CL02: Change Class
  CL03: Display Class
  CL01: Create Class
  
  
  
  Class Hierarchy: Understanding the class hierarchy is crucial for managing characteristics effectively. You can visualize the hierarchy in the Class Builder.
  
  
  Characteristics: Characteristics are attributes that define the properties of a class. They can be used in classification and can have various data types.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might provide additional insights or updates regarding this error message.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the CL161 error and manage your class characteristics appropriately.