How To Fix ECM_GRAPH009 - Predecessor state has successors

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ECM_GRAPH - Change Graph in Engineering Change Management

• Message number: 009

• Message text: Predecessor state has successors

What causes this issue?

You want to delete a state for the current object.
With the procedure selected, this is only possible if the state to be
deleted is not the predecessor of other states. However, this state is
the predecessor of other states.

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?

Delete all the successor states first.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ECM_GRAPH009 - Predecessor state has successors ?

  The SAP error message ECM_GRAPH009: Predecessor state has successors typically occurs in the context of the SAP Change Management or Engineering Change Management (ECM) module. This error indicates that there is an issue with the state transitions of a change object, where a predecessor state is still linked to successor states, preventing the change from being processed as intended.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to delete or change a predecessor state that still has dependent successor states. In other words, the system is trying to modify a state that is still actively linked to other states in the change management process, which violates the integrity of the state transition graph.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check State Dependencies: Review the state configuration in the ECM settings. Identify the predecessor state that is causing the issue and check which successor states are linked to it.
  
  
  Remove Successor Links: If you need to delete or modify the predecessor state, you must first remove or reassign any successor states that are dependent on it. This may involve changing the state of the successor objects or reconfiguring the state transitions.
  
  
  Adjust State Transitions: If the predecessor state is still required, consider adjusting the state transitions to ensure that the predecessor can remain without causing conflicts.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help resources for detailed guidance on managing state transitions in ECM. This can provide insights into best practices and configuration options.
  
  
  Testing: After making changes, test the state transitions to ensure that the error does not reoccur and that the change management process functions as expected.
  
  
  Seek Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who specializes in ECM.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Change Management Configuration: Familiarize yourself with the configuration settings for change management in SAP, as understanding how states and transitions are defined can help prevent similar issues in the future.
  Training and Documentation: Consider training sessions or workshops on SAP ECM to better understand the system's behavior and configuration.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ECM_GRAPH009 error and ensure smooth operation within the SAP Change Management module.