How To Fix COM_HIERARCHY021 - 'Automatic no. assignment' cannot be changed as categories exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_HIERARCHY - Hierarchy

• Message number: 021

• Message text: 'Automatic no. assignment' cannot be changed as categories exist

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COM_HIERARCHY021 - 'Automatic no. assignment' cannot be changed as categories exist ?

  The SAP error message COM_HIERARCHY021 indicates that there is an issue with the automatic number assignment for a hierarchy in the SAP system. Specifically, it means that the system is unable to change the automatic number assignment setting because there are existing categories that depend on this setting.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when you attempt to change the automatic number assignment for a hierarchy (such as a cost center hierarchy or a profit center hierarchy) while there are already existing categories or elements that have been assigned numbers based on the current settings. The system prevents this change to maintain data integrity and consistency.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Categories: Review the existing categories or elements in the hierarchy to understand which ones are currently using the automatic number assignment.
  
  
  Remove Dependencies: If possible, remove or reassign the existing categories that are dependent on the automatic number assignment. This may involve:
  
  Deleting the categories if they are no longer needed.
  Changing the number assignment method for these categories to a manual assignment if applicable.
  
  
  
  Change the Setting: Once there are no existing categories that depend on the automatic number assignment, you can proceed to change the setting in the configuration.
  
  
  Recreate Categories: If you need to keep the existing categories, consider recreating them after changing the automatic number assignment setting.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific steps on how to manage hierarchy settings in your version of SAP.
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes such as OKEQ (for cost center hierarchy) or similar depending on the type of hierarchy you are working with.
  Configuration Settings: Familiarize yourself with the configuration settings related to number assignment in the relevant SAP module (e.g., Controlling, Financial Accounting).
  Data Integrity: Always ensure that changes to settings do not compromise the integrity of your data, especially in production environments.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the COM_HIERARCHY021 error and successfully change the automatic number assignment setting.