How To Fix COM_PRODUCT_CUST017 - You cannot make this change as configurable products still exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COM_PRODUCT_CUST - General Customizing Messages for Product Master

• Message number: 017

• Message text: You cannot make this change as configurable products still exist

What causes this issue?

You cannot reset the indicator as configurable products already exist.

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_PRODUCT_CUST017 - You cannot make this change as configurable products still exist ?

  The SAP error message COM_PRODUCT_CUST017 indicates that you are trying to make a change to a product configuration, but there are still configurable products associated with it. This typically occurs in the context of SAP's Variant Configuration (VC) where products are defined with multiple characteristics and options.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  You attempt to delete or modify a base product that has dependent configurable products still linked to it.
  The system enforces integrity rules to prevent changes that could lead to inconsistencies in the product structure.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Dependent Configurable Products:
  
  Use transaction codes like CS03 (Display Material) or CS12 (Multilevel BOM) to check for any configurable products that are linked to the product you are trying to change.
  
  
  
  Remove or Modify Dependent Products:
  
  If you find any dependent configurable products, you will need to either delete them or modify them to remove the dependency on the base product.
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make these changes.
  
  
  
  Check Product Structure:
  
  Review the product structure to ensure that all dependencies are correctly defined and that there are no lingering references to the product you are trying to change.
  
  
  
  Re-attempt the Change:
  
  Once you have addressed the dependencies, you can re-attempt the change to the base product.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the changes, consult the SAP documentation or your organization's SAP support team for guidance on handling configurable products.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CS01 (Create BOM), CS02 (Change BOM), and CS03 (Display BOM) for managing product configurations.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to this error message.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the appropriate authorizations to make changes to product configurations in SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully make the desired changes to your product configuration.