How To Fix CME_CHAR013 - You cannot delete the data type (used in characteristics)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CME_CHAR - Checks for Characteristics

• Message number: 013

• Message text: You cannot delete the data type (used in characteristics)

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 CME_CHAR013 - You cannot delete the data type (used in characteristics) ?

  The SAP error message CME_CHAR013 indicates that you are trying to delete a data type that is currently being used in one or more characteristics. This is a common issue when managing data types in the SAP system, particularly in the context of characteristics used in classification or other data management processes.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because:
  
  The data type you are attempting to delete is still linked to one or more characteristics in the system.
  SAP enforces referential integrity, meaning that you cannot delete an object that is still in use by another object.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Usage:
  
  Check which characteristics are using the data type you want to delete. You can do this by navigating to the characteristics in the SAP system and checking their properties.
  
  
  
  Remove Associations:
  
  For each characteristic that is using the data type, you will need to either:
  
  Change the data type of the characteristic to a different one that is not being deleted.
  Delete the characteristic if it is no longer needed (ensure that this is acceptable for your business processes).
  
  
  
  
  
  Delete the Data Type:
  
  Once all associations have been removed, you can proceed to delete the data type without encountering the error.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies:
  
  Ensure that there are no other dependencies or references to the data type in other areas of the system, such as in custom programs or reports.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like CT04 (to manage data types) and CT03 (to manage characteristics) to navigate and make necessary changes.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed instructions on managing characteristics and data types.
  Testing: After making changes, it is advisable to test the system to ensure that everything is functioning as expected and that no unintended consequences have arisen from the changes.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CME_CHAR013 error and successfully manage your data types and characteristics in SAP.