How To Fix KH120 - Column & deactivated because dependent columns exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KH - CO-PA Reporting

• Message number: 120

• Message text: Column & deactivated because dependent columns exist

What causes this issue?

You cannot delete a column required for calculating other columns. The
column was deactivated but not deleted.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KH120 - Column & deactivated because dependent columns exist ?

  The SAP error message KH120, which states "Column & deactivated because dependent columns exist," typically occurs in the context of SAP Controlling (CO) when you are trying to deactivate a characteristic or column in a report or planning layout that has dependencies on other columns or characteristics.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to deactivate a column that is linked to other columns or characteristics in a report or planning layout. This means that the column you are trying to deactivate is being used in calculations, aggregations, or is otherwise dependent on other data elements that are still active. 
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Dependencies: Check which columns or characteristics are dependent on the column you are trying to deactivate. You can do this by reviewing the report layout or planning layout configuration.
  
  
  Deactivate Dependent Columns: If possible, deactivate the dependent columns first. This may involve identifying and modifying the layout to remove or deactivate any columns that rely on the column you want to deactivate.
  
  
  Modify Report Layout: If the dependent columns are necessary for your reporting needs, consider modifying the report layout to accommodate the changes without deactivating the column you want to keep.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help resources related to the specific module you are working with (e.g., CO-PA, CO-OM) for more detailed guidance on managing report layouts and characteristics.
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for assistance. They may have additional tools or insights to help you manage the dependencies.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as KE30 (for CO-PA reports) or KEDR (for CO-OM reports) to access and modify report layouts.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message, as they may provide specific fixes or workarounds.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the KH120 error and manage your report or planning layout effectively.