How To Fix COWIPB163 - WIP batch has successors; not possible to delete

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: COWIPB - Messages for WIP Batch

• Message number: 163

• Message text: WIP batch has successors; not possible to delete

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message COWIPB163 - WIP batch has successors; not possible to delete ?

  The SAP error message COWIPB163 indicates that you are trying to delete a Work in Progress (WIP) batch that has successors, which is not allowed. This typically occurs in the context of production orders or WIP management in SAP, where certain batches are linked to other batches or production orders.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because:
  
  The WIP batch you are trying to delete has dependent or successor batches that are still active or in use.
  There may be open production orders or processes that reference the WIP batch.
  The system enforces integrity rules to prevent the deletion of batches that are still needed for ongoing processes.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check for Successors: 
  
  Use transaction codes like CO03 (Display Production Order) or COHV (Mass Processing of Production Orders) to check if there are any production orders or batches that are dependent on the WIP batch you are trying to delete.
  
  
  
  Complete or Close Dependent Orders:
  
  If there are dependent production orders, you may need to complete or close them before attempting to delete the WIP batch. This may involve confirming operations or settling the production order.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction CO11N:
  
  If applicable, you can confirm the production order to ensure that all operations are completed.
  
  
  
  Check Batch Status:
  
  Ensure that the batch status allows for deletion. You can check the batch status using transaction MSC3N (Display Batch).
  
  
  
  Delete Successors:
  
  If there are successor batches that are no longer needed, consider deleting or archiving them first.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator:
  
  If you are unsure about the dependencies or how to proceed, consult with your SAP administrator or a colleague who has experience with WIP management in SAP.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CO03: Display Production Order
  COHV: Mass Processing of Production Orders
  MSC3N: Display Batch
  CO11N: Enter Production Order Confirmation
  
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help Portal or your organization's SAP documentation for more detailed information on WIP management and batch processing.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to WIP batch management.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.