How To Fix CL165 - Characteristic & used in configurations with this class: no deletion

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CL - Classification

• Message number: 165

• Message text: Characteristic & used in configurations with this class: no deletion

What causes this issue?

Deleting characteristic &V1& may lead to inconsistencies, because the
configured object is in use.

System Response

The system cannot delete the characteristic.

How to fix this error?

To display a where-used list, choose <ZH>Display class -> Environment
-> Where-used list -> In configurations</> (enter characteristic name).
However, you can only delete the characteristic with Engineering Change
Management.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CL165 - Characteristic & used in configurations with this class: no deletion ?

  The SAP error message CL165 indicates that a characteristic is being used in configurations associated with a class, and therefore, it cannot be deleted. This typically occurs in the context of variant configuration in SAP, where characteristics are used to define the properties of configurable products.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when you attempt to delete a characteristic that is currently assigned to one or more configuration profiles or classes. In SAP, characteristics are essential for defining the attributes of configurable materials, and if they are in use, the system prevents their deletion to maintain data integrity.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Usage: Determine where the characteristic is being used. You can do this by:
  
  Navigating to the characteristic in the SAP GUI.
  Using transaction code CT04 to display the characteristic and check its assignments.
  Reviewing the configuration profiles or classes that reference the characteristic.
  
  
  
  Remove Assignments: If the characteristic is assigned to any configuration profiles or classes, you will need to remove these assignments before you can delete the characteristic. This can be done by:
  
  Going to the relevant configuration profile or class.
  Removing the characteristic from the configuration settings.
  
  
  
  Delete the Characteristic: Once all assignments have been removed, you can proceed to delete the characteristic using transaction code CT04.
  
  
  Check for Dependencies: Ensure that there are no other dependencies or references to the characteristic in other areas of the system, such as in BOMs (Bill of Materials) or routing.
  
  
  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 configurations.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CT04: Change Characteristic
  CL02: Change Class
  CU01: Create Configuration Profile
  CU02: Change Configuration Profile
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or updates related to this error message.
  
  
  Best Practices: It is advisable to perform such deletions in a test environment first to ensure that there are no unintended consequences in the production environment.
  
  
  Backup: Always ensure that you have a backup of your configuration data before making changes, especially deletions.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CL165 error and manage your characteristics effectively within SAP.