How To Fix COTU004 - Orders that have already been generated cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COTU - Messages for Partial Conversion Planned Order -> Prod. Order

• Message number: 004

• Message text: Orders that have already been generated cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

You want to delete a partial quantity. You cannot do this because an
order was already generated for this partial quantity.

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?

You can change the quantity of the order already generated by selecting
the line and selecting "Branch to order". The changed quantity must not
be zero.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COTU004 - Orders that have already been generated cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message COTU004 indicates that you are trying to delete an order that has already been generated or processed in the system. This typically occurs in the context of production orders, purchase orders, or sales orders, where certain actions have already been taken that prevent the deletion of the order.
  Cause:
  
  Order Status: The order may have a status that does not allow deletion. For example, if the order has been released, confirmed, or has associated transactions (like goods movements or invoices), it cannot be deleted.
  Dependencies: There may be dependent documents or processes that rely on the order, such as linked purchase requisitions, production orders, or sales documents.
  System Configuration: Certain configurations in the SAP system may restrict the deletion of orders based on business rules or settings.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Order Status: Review the status of the order. If it is in a status that does not allow deletion, you may need to change its status first (e.g., set it to "Closed" or "Completed").
  Reverse Transactions: If there are any transactions associated with the order (like goods receipts or invoices), you may need to reverse or cancel those transactions before attempting to delete the order.
  Use Deletion Flag: Instead of deleting the order, consider using a deletion flag if your business process allows it. This will mark the order as deleted without physically removing it from the system.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or your organization's internal guidelines for handling orders and understand the implications of deleting or modifying orders.
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP experts for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CO02 (Change Production Order), CO03 (Display Production Order), or ME22N (Change Purchase Order) to manage orders effectively.
  Order Types: Understand the different types of orders in your SAP system and their specific rules regarding deletion.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to delete or modify orders in the SAP system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the COTU004 error and manage your orders appropriately within SAP.