How To Fix KW022 - Deletion is not possible (dependent records exist)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KW - CO-ABC Activity-Based Costing

• Message number: 022

• Message text: Deletion is not possible (dependent records exist)

What causes this issue?

The business process cannot be deleted since dependent data exists in
the period in question.
You can only delete a business process if it was used neither for
planning nor for actual postings in the fiscal years to be deleted.

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?

Select a period in which no dependent data has been created yet for the
business process and correct your entry.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KW022 - Deletion is not possible (dependent records exist) ?

  The SAP error message KW022, which states "Deletion is not possible (dependent records exist)," typically occurs when you attempt to delete a record in the SAP system that has dependent records associated with it. This is a common issue in various modules, including Materials Management (MM), Sales and Distribution (SD), and others, where data integrity is crucial.
  Cause:
  The error arises because the record you are trying to delete is linked to other records in the database. For example:
  
  A material master record may have dependent records in purchasing documents, sales orders, or inventory management.
  A customer or vendor record may have open transactions or linked documents that prevent deletion.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the KW022 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Dependent Records:
  
  Use transaction codes like SE16 or SE11 to check the database tables related to the record you are trying to delete. For example, if you are trying to delete a material, check tables like MARA, MARC, MARD, etc.
  You can also use transaction MM03 (for materials) or XD03 (for customers) to view the details and see if there are any dependent documents.
  
  
  
  Clear Dependent Records:
  
  If you find dependent records, you will need to either delete or archive them before you can delete the main record. This may involve:
  
  Deleting purchase orders, sales orders, or other documents that reference the record.
  Archiving data if it is no longer needed but cannot be deleted.
  
  
  
  
  
  Check for Configuration Settings:
  
  Sometimes, configuration settings in the system may prevent deletion. Ensure that the settings allow for the deletion of records under certain conditions.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  For materials, you can use MM06 to mark the material for deletion instead of deleting it outright. This will prevent it from being used in future transactions while keeping historical data intact.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation or Support:
  
  If you are unsure about which records are dependent or how to proceed, consult SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM03, MM06, ME23N, VA03, etc., depending on the module you are working with.
  Data Integrity: Understand the importance of data integrity in SAP and the implications of deleting records.
  Archiving: Consider using SAP's archiving functionality for records that are no longer needed but cannot be deleted due to dependencies.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the KW022 error message in SAP.