How To Fix COM_PRODUCT205 - Status '&1' will not be set as inactive product version exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_PRODUCT - General Messages on Products

• Message number: 205

• Message text: Status '&1' will not be set as inactive product version exists

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COM_PRODUCT205 - Status '&1' will not be set as inactive product version exists ?

  The SAP error message COM_PRODUCT205 indicates that you are trying to set a product status to inactive, but there is an existing inactive product version that prevents this action. This is a common issue in SAP systems, particularly in the context of product lifecycle management and product master data management.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because:
  
  The product you are trying to set to inactive has one or more versions that are already marked as inactive.
  SAP enforces a rule that prevents a product from being set to inactive if there are existing inactive versions. This is to maintain data integrity and ensure that the product's lifecycle is managed correctly.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Product Versions:
  
  Use transaction codes like MM03 (Display Material) or COM_PRODUCT to view the product's details and check for any existing inactive versions.
  
  
  
  Review Product Status:
  
  Determine if the inactive versions are still needed. If they are not, you may consider deleting or archiving them if your business process allows.
  
  
  
  Set Inactive Versions to Active:
  
  If the inactive versions are still relevant, you may need to set them back to active status before you can set the current version to inactive.
  
  
  
  Consult with Business Process Owners:
  
  Discuss with relevant stakeholders (e.g., product managers, data stewards) to understand the implications of changing the status of the product and its versions.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  Use transaction codes like COM_PRODUCT to manage product versions and their statuses effectively.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies:
  
  Ensure that there are no dependencies or references to the inactive versions that might be causing the issue.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Understanding the product lifecycle and how different versions interact can help in managing product statuses effectively.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help Portal or specific documentation related to product master data management for more detailed guidance.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to change product statuses in the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the COM_PRODUCT205 error and manage your product versions appropriately.