How To Fix CRM_DOC_FLOW005 - Not possible to delete, a reference exists to a subsequent document

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CRM_DOC_FLOW - Output for document flow

• Message number: 005

• Message text: Not possible to delete, a reference exists to a subsequent document

What causes this issue?

You have attempted to delete a document. This is not possible, as a
follow-up document exists.

System Response

The document is not deleted.

How to fix this error?

Delete all follow-up documents and repeat the delete transaction.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CRM_DOC_FLOW005 - Not possible to delete, a reference exists to a subsequent document ?

  The SAP error message CRM_DOC_FLOW005 indicates that you are trying to delete a document in the CRM system, but the system has detected that there are references to subsequent documents. This means that the document you are attempting to delete is linked to other documents, and SAP prevents the deletion to maintain data integrity.
  Cause:
  
  Document Dependencies: The document you are trying to delete has one or more subsequent documents that depend on it. For example, if you have a sales order that is linked to a delivery or invoice, you cannot delete the sales order without first addressing the linked documents.
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces data integrity rules to ensure that deleting a document does not leave orphaned records or disrupt the flow of related documents.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Dependent Documents:
  
  Use transaction codes like CRM_DNO_MONI or CRM_ORDER to check for any documents that reference the document you are trying to delete.
  Look for any subsequent documents such as invoices, deliveries, or follow-up activities that are linked to the document.
  
  
  
  Delete or Modify Dependent Documents:
  
  If you find dependent documents, you will need to either delete them (if they are no longer needed) or modify them to remove the dependency on the document you want to delete.
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to delete or modify these documents.
  
  
  
  Check Document Flow:
  
  Review the document flow to understand the relationships between documents. This can often be done through the document flow display in the CRM system.
  
  
  
  Consult with Business Users:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of deleting a document, consult with business users or stakeholders to ensure that the deletion is appropriate.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  You can use transaction codes like CRM_ORDER or CRM_DNO_MONI to navigate through the document flow and identify the relationships.
  
  
  
  Technical Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or a technical consultant who can assist in analyzing the document flow and dependencies.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Document Flow: Understanding the document flow in SAP CRM is crucial for managing documents effectively. Each document can have multiple references, and it's important to maintain the integrity of these relationships.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might provide additional insights or solutions related to this error message.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to delete or modify documents in the CRM system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.