How To Fix COM_PRCAT046 - Cannot change object family; set types assigned to subcategories

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_PRCAT - Product Category

• Message number: 046

• Message text: Cannot change object family; set types assigned to subcategories

What causes this issue?

The object family is inherited by all sub-categories of the
<DS:GLOS.994E2B515E5BD311B60F0060B03C2BFF>category</> concerned. As
these sub-categories have been assigned
<DS:GLOS.7E421A6DA070D311AE680060B03C9BBE>set types</> with another
object family, the object family of the higher-level category cannot be
changed or this object family would be inherited by the sub-categories
and would be inconsistent with their set types.

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_PRCAT046 - Cannot change object family; set types assigned to subcategories ?

  The SAP error message COM_PRCAT046 indicates that there is an issue with changing the object family of a category in the SAP system. Specifically, it states that the object family cannot be changed because there are set types assigned to the subcategories of that category. This typically occurs in the context of SAP's classification system, particularly when dealing with product categories and their associated attributes.
  Cause:
  
  Assigned Set Types: The primary cause of this error is that the category you are trying to modify has subcategories that are linked to specific set types. Set types are used to define the characteristics and attributes of items within a category.
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces data integrity rules to ensure that changes do not lead to inconsistencies in the classification data. Changing the object family while set types are assigned could lead to potential data issues.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Subcategories: Determine which subcategories are linked to the category you are trying to change. You can do this by navigating to the classification view in SAP and checking the hierarchy of categories.
  
  
  Remove Set Types: If you need to change the object family, you will first need to remove the set types assigned to the subcategories. This can typically be done in the classification settings:
  
  Go to the transaction code CL02 (Change Class) or CL03 (Display Class).
  Find the relevant subcategories and check their assigned set types.
  Remove or change the set types as necessary.
  
  
  
  Change Object Family: Once the set types have been removed, you should be able to change the object family of the category without encountering the error.
  
  
  Reassign Set Types: If needed, after changing the object family, you can reassign the appropriate set types to the subcategories.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  CL01: Create Class
  CL02: Change Class
  CL03: Display Class
  CL24: Change Class Type
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on classification and object families.
  Testing: After making changes, ensure to test the classification to confirm that everything is functioning as expected.
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Always back up your configuration before making changes.
  Document any changes made to the classification structure for future reference.
  Consider the impact of changes on existing data and processes within the SAP system.
  
  If you continue to experience issues or if the situation is complex, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP expert or your organization's SAP support team for further assistance.