How To Fix E2401 - Definition of key components is deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: E2 - DE Data Dictionary

• Message number: 401

• Message text: Definition of key components is deleted

What causes this issue?

You already decided on the alternative <LS>Key components</> as key
definition and defined the key components. You now selected a different
alternative.

System Response

The system gives a warning.

How to fix this error?

If you confirm the change in the key definition, the defined key
components are deleted. If you do not want to do so, you must set the
alternative <LS>Key components</> again.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message E2401 - Definition of key components is deleted ?

  The SAP error message E2401, which states "Definition of key components is deleted," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Material Management (MM) or Production Planning (PP) modules. This error indicates that a key component, which is essential for a specific process (like a bill of materials or a production order), has been deleted or is no longer defined in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Deletion of Key Components: The most common cause is that a key component (like a material or part number) has been deleted from the system, but it is still referenced in other documents or processes.
  Data Inconsistency: There may be inconsistencies in the database where the component is referenced but not available.
  Transport Issues: If changes were transported from one system to another (e.g., from development to production), the transport might not have included all necessary components.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Component Definition: Verify if the key component is still defined in the system. You can do this by checking the material master or the relevant BOM (Bill of Materials).
  
  Use transaction codes like MM03 (Display Material) or CS03 (Display BOM) to check the status of the component.
  
  
  
  Restore Deleted Components: If the component was deleted accidentally, you may need to restore it. This can involve:
  
  Recreating the material master record.
  Re-adding the component to the BOM or relevant document.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies: Ensure that there are no other dependencies or references to the deleted component in other documents. You may need to update or delete those references.
  
  
  Transport Management: If the issue arose due to a transport, ensure that all necessary objects were included in the transport request. You may need to re-transport the missing components.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review any change logs or documentation to understand why the component was deleted and if it was intentional.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot resolve it, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM03, CS03, CS02 (Change BOM), and CS01 (Create BOM) for managing materials and BOMs.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to view and modify the components in question.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the E2401 error and implement a solution to resolve it.