How To Fix COM_ATTRFRG_GEN040 - Only part of set type & can be changed; already assigned to an object

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_ATTRFRG_GEN - Message Class for Generating Attributes and Sets

• Message number: 040

• Message text: Only part of set type & can be changed; already assigned to an object

What causes this issue?

To prevent inconsistencies arising in other objects, it is only possible
to change the description and to add attributes. Attributes cannot be
deleted. Display the where-used list to find out whether the set type is
being used in a category.
If the set type is not being used in a category it is probably being
used in an alternative ID type.
To find out whether this is the case, use transaction SE16 and enter the
name of the set type in the field <LS>TABLE_NAME</> in table
<LS>COMC_ALTID_FIELD</>.

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?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COM_ATTRFRG_GEN040 - Only part of set type & can be changed; already assigned to an object ?

  The SAP error message COM_ATTRFRG_GEN040 indicates that you are trying to change a characteristic that is part of a set type, but only part of the set can be modified because it is already assigned to an object. This typically occurs in the context of SAP's classification system, where characteristics are used to define the properties of objects.
  Cause:
  
  Set Type Characteristics: The characteristic you are trying to modify is defined as a set type, which means it can have multiple values. However, if some of these values are already assigned to an object, you cannot change the entire set.
  Assignment to Objects: The characteristic is already linked to one or more objects in the system, which restricts modifications to ensure data integrity.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Assignments: Identify which objects the characteristic is currently assigned to. You can do this by navigating to the relevant classification or object management transactions in SAP.
  Remove Assignments: If you need to change the characteristic, you may need to first remove it from the objects it is assigned to. This can be done through the classification transactions (e.g., CL02 for changing classes).
  Modify the Characteristic: Once the characteristic is no longer assigned to any objects, you can proceed to make the necessary changes.
  Reassign if Necessary: After making the changes, you can reassign the characteristic to the objects as needed.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CL01 (Create Characteristics), CL02 (Change Characteristics), CL03 (Display Characteristics), and CL30 (Class Management).
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on characteristics and classification to understand the implications of set types and how they interact with objects.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to characteristics and their assignments.
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Always back up your data or document the current state before making changes to characteristics.
  Communicate with your team or stakeholders if the changes may impact existing objects or processes.
  Test changes in a development or quality assurance environment before applying them in production.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully modify the characteristic as needed.