How To Fix FAA_MD018 - Cannot delete an asset because sub assets still exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FAA_MD - Fixed Asset Master

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Cannot delete an asset because sub assets still exist

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FAA_MD018 - Cannot delete an asset because sub assets still exist ?

  The SAP error message FAA_MD018 indicates that you are trying to delete a main asset in the Asset Accounting (FI-AA) module, but the system is preventing the deletion because there are sub-assets associated with it. In SAP, assets can have a hierarchical structure where a main asset can have one or more sub-assets. The system enforces this relationship to maintain data integrity.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of the FAA_MD018 error is that the asset you are attempting to delete has one or more sub-assets that are still active in the system. SAP does not allow the deletion of a main asset if there are dependent sub-assets, as this would create inconsistencies in the asset accounting records.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Sub-Assets: 
  
  Use transaction code AW01N (Asset Explorer) to view the details of the main asset. 
  Check for any sub-assets listed under the main asset. You can also use transaction code AS03 (Display Asset) to see the asset hierarchy.
  
  
  
  Delete or Transfer Sub-Assets:
  
  If you want to delete the main asset, you must first delete or transfer the sub-assets. 
  To delete a sub-asset, use transaction code ABAVN (Transfer within Asset Accounting) or AB08 (Unplanned Depreciation) to adjust the sub-assets as needed.
  If you want to keep the sub-assets, consider transferring them to another main asset instead of deleting them.
  
  
  
  Delete the Main Asset:
  
  Once all sub-assets have been deleted or transferred, you can proceed to delete the main asset using transaction code ABAON (Delete Asset).
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Asset Hierarchy: Understanding the asset hierarchy in SAP is crucial. Main assets and sub-assets are part of a structured approach to asset management.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  AW01N: Asset Explorer
  AS03: Display Asset
  ABAVN: Transfer within Asset Accounting
  AB08: Unplanned Depreciation
  ABAON: Delete Asset
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for Asset Accounting for more detailed information on asset management processes and error handling.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the FAA_MD018 error and successfully manage your assets in SAP.