How To Fix M5140 - Deletion not possible - Please delete the variant first

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M5 - LIS: Standard Analyses (Inventory Controlling Doc. Analysis)

• Message number: 140

• Message text: Deletion not possible - Please delete the variant first

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M5140 - Deletion not possible - Please delete the variant first ?

  The SAP error message M5140, "Deletion not possible - Please delete the variant first," typically occurs when you attempt to delete a material master record or a related object that has associated variants. Variants in SAP are often used to store different configurations or settings for a material or other objects.
  Cause:
  The error arises because the system has detected that there are existing variants linked to the material or object you are trying to delete. SAP requires that all associated variants be deleted before you can delete the main object.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify the Variants: 
  
  Use transaction codes such as MM02 (Change Material) or MM03 (Display Material) to check if there are any variants associated with the material you are trying to delete.
  You can also check the specific variant management transaction relevant to your context.
  
  
  
  Delete the Variants:
  
  Navigate to the variant management screen where the variants are listed.
  Select the variants that are associated with the material and delete them. This may involve using transaction codes like SE93 (for variant management) or other relevant transactions depending on the context.
  
  
  
  Delete the Material:
  
  Once all variants have been deleted, you can proceed to delete the material or object using the appropriate transaction (e.g., MM06 for deleting materials).
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), MM03 (Display Material), and MM06 (Delete Material).
  Authorization: Ensure you have the necessary authorizations to delete variants and materials in SAP.
  Data Integrity: Always ensure that deleting variants and materials does not affect other processes or data integrity within your SAP system.
  Backup: It is a good practice to back up any important data before performing deletions, especially in production environments.
  
  If you continue to experience issues or if the variants do not appear to be linked, consider consulting with your SAP administrator or support team for further assistance.