How To Fix ME866 - Deletion of item with quantity 0 not possible in case of subcontracting

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 866

• Message text: Deletion of item with quantity 0 not possible in case of subcontracting

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME866 - Deletion of item with quantity 0 not possible in case of subcontracting ?

  The SAP error message ME866, which states "Deletion of item with quantity 0 not possible in case of subcontracting," typically occurs in the context of a purchase order (PO) that involves subcontracting. This error indicates that you are trying to delete a line item from a subcontracting purchase order where the quantity is zero, which is not allowed by the system.
  Cause:
  
  Subcontracting Purchase Order: The error arises specifically in subcontracting scenarios where the system expects that the item has a quantity greater than zero to be eligible for deletion.
  Quantity Management: The item in question has been set up in a way that it cannot be deleted if its quantity is zero, as it may still be linked to other processes or documents in the system.
  Incomplete Data: There may be incomplete or incorrect data in the purchase order that is causing the system to prevent the deletion.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Item Quantity: Ensure that the item you are trying to delete has a quantity greater than zero. If the quantity is indeed zero, you may need to adjust the order or the related documents before attempting to delete the item.
  Use the Correct Transaction: If you need to remove the item, consider using the appropriate transaction to adjust the quantities or to cancel the order instead of directly deleting the item.
  Review Related Documents: Check if there are any related documents (like goods receipts, invoices, etc.) that are still linked to the item. If there are, you may need to resolve those first.
  Consult with SAP Support: If the issue persists, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Subcontracting Process: Understand the subcontracting process in SAP, which involves sending components to a vendor who then produces the finished goods. The purchase order must reflect the correct quantities and statuses.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on managing purchase orders and subcontracting processes.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), and ME23N (Display Purchase Order) to manage your purchase orders effectively.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the ME866 error and manage your subcontracting purchase orders more effectively.