How To Fix COM_PRCAT014 - Set type &1 cannot be deleted: Inherited from higher-level category

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_PRCAT - Product Category

• Message number: 014

• Message text: Set type &1 cannot be deleted: Inherited from higher-level category

What causes this issue?

The assignment of the set type '&V1&' cannot be deleted, because it has
been inherited from a '&V2&' higher-level category.

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_PRCAT014 - Set type &1 cannot be deleted: Inherited from higher-level category ?

  The SAP error message COM_PRCAT014 indicates that you are trying to delete a set type (or category) that cannot be deleted because it is inherited from a higher-level category. This typically occurs in the context of Product Categories in SAP, particularly in the SAP Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or SAP Material Management (MM) modules.
  Cause:
  The error arises because the set type you are attempting to delete is not a standalone category; instead, it is derived from a parent category. In SAP, categories can have a hierarchical structure where child categories inherit properties and settings from their parent categories. If a child category is linked to a parent category, you cannot delete it directly without addressing the relationship.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Category Hierarchy: 
  
  Navigate to the category management area in SAP and review the hierarchy of categories. Identify the parent category from which the set type is inherited.
  
  
  
  Remove Inheritance:
  
  If you need to delete the set type, you may first need to remove its association with the parent category. This can often be done by changing the category settings or reassigning the child category to a different parent.
  
  
  
  Delete Parent Category:
  
  If the child category is not needed and you want to delete it, you may need to delete the parent category first, provided that it does not have any other child categories or dependencies.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  Use transaction codes like CMMT (for managing categories) or CMMT_CATEG to navigate to the category management interface and make the necessary changes.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help files for specific instructions on managing product categories and their hierarchies.
  
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support:
  
  If you are unsure about the changes or if the category is critical to your business processes, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Category Management: Understanding how categories and subcategories work in SAP is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the concepts of inheritance and category relationships.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might provide additional insights or solutions related to this error message.
  Testing Changes: Always test changes in a development or sandbox environment before applying them to production to avoid unintended consequences.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the error message and manage your product categories effectively in SAP.