How To Fix COM_PRCAT049 - Cannot change object family; objects already exist for subcategories

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_PRCAT - Product Category

• Message number: 049

• Message text: Cannot change object family; objects already exist for subcategories

What causes this issue?

Categories pass on the object family assigned to them to all their
sub-categories. However, the sub-categories of this category have
already been assigned objects from another object family. The object
family can therefore no longer be changed.

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_PRCAT049 - Cannot change object family; objects already exist for subcategories ?

  The SAP error message COM_PRCAT049 indicates that there is an attempt to change the object family of a category in the SAP system, but the change cannot be completed because there are already existing objects (like materials, services, etc.) associated with the subcategories of that object family. This is a common issue when managing classifications and categories in SAP, particularly in the context of materials management or product categorization.
  Cause:
  The error occurs due to the following reasons:
  
  Existing Objects: There are already existing objects (e.g., materials, services) that are linked to the subcategories of the object family you are trying to change.
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces data integrity rules to prevent inconsistencies that could arise from changing the object family when dependent objects exist.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Identify Existing Objects:
  
  Use transaction codes like MM03 (Display Material) or CS03 (Display Material BOM) to check which objects are currently associated with the subcategories of the object family you are trying to change.
  You can also use reports or queries to list all objects linked to the specific subcategories.
  
  
  
  Remove or Reassign Objects:
  
  If possible, remove or reassign the existing objects from the subcategories that are causing the conflict. This may involve changing the classification of materials or services to a different category or object family.
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make these changes.
  
  
  
  Change Object Family:
  
  Once there are no existing objects linked to the subcategories, you can proceed to change the object family as needed.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to classification and object families for additional guidance on best practices and procedures.
  
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CL02 (Change Class), CL03 (Display Class), and CL01 (Create Class) for managing classifications.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message.
  Data Management: Ensure that your data management practices are robust to prevent similar issues in the future, such as maintaining clear documentation of object families and their associated subcategories.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the COM_PRCAT049 error and successfully change the object family as needed.