How To Fix ECM018 - Change order &1 is used in objects and cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ECM - General Messages for Engineering Change Management

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Change order &1 is used in objects and cannot be deleted

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ECM018 - Change order &1 is used in objects and cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message ECM018 indicates that a change order (identified by &1) is currently being used in one or more objects, which prevents it from being deleted. This is a common issue in SAP environments where change management is critical, and it ensures that changes are tracked and managed properly.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because the change order you are trying to delete is still linked to one or more objects in the system. These objects could include:
  
  Change requests
  Change documents
  Work orders
  Other related objects that reference the change order
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to identify and remove the dependencies associated with the change order before attempting to delete it. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Identify Dependencies:
  
  Use transaction codes like CC03 (Display Change Document) or CC04 (Display Change Order) to check which objects are linked to the change order.
  You can also use transaction SE11 to look at the database tables that might hold references to the change order.
  
  
  
  Remove References:
  
  Once you have identified the objects that are using the change order, you will need to either delete or modify those objects to remove the dependency on the change order.
  For example, if there are change requests or work orders linked to the change order, you may need to delete or close those requests or orders.
  
  
  
  Delete the Change Order:
  
  After ensuring that all dependencies have been removed, you can attempt to delete the change order again using the appropriate transaction (e.g., CC02 for changing a change order).
  
  
  
  Check for Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to delete change orders and related objects. Lack of proper permissions can also lead to issues.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Change Management in SAP: Understanding the change management process in SAP is crucial. Familiarize yourself with how change orders, requests, and related objects interact.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for detailed information on managing change orders and understanding the implications of deleting them.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues or provide additional guidance related to the ECM018 error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ECM018 error and successfully delete the change order.