How To Fix ME873 - Caution: Source list will be deleted for all materials!

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 873

• Message text: Caution: Source list will be deleted for all materials!

What causes this issue?

You have not entered any selection criteria with regard to the
materials. The source list will therefore be deleted for all materials.

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?

Please check that your input is correct. If appropriate, restrict the
selection of materials affected.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME873 - Caution: Source list will be deleted for all materials! ?

  The SAP error message ME873, which states "Caution: Source list will be deleted for all materials," typically occurs in the context of managing source lists in the Materials Management (MM) module. This message indicates that a source list entry is being deleted, which can affect procurement processes.
  Cause:
  The error message ME873 can be triggered by several factors, including:
  
  Manual Deletion: A user may have manually attempted to delete a source list entry for a material.
  Mass Deletion: A mass deletion process (e.g., using transaction codes like ME05 or ME06) may have been executed, which targets multiple materials.
  Data Consistency Issues: There may be inconsistencies in the data that lead to the deletion of source lists.
  Configuration Settings: Certain configuration settings in the system may lead to the automatic deletion of source lists under specific conditions.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the ME873 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Review Deletion Process: Check if the deletion was intentional. If it was not, you may need to restore the source list entries from a backup or re-enter them manually.
  
  
  Check Source List Entries: Use transaction code ME01 or ME03 to review the source list for the affected materials. Ensure that the entries are correct and complete.
  
  
  Analyze Logs: Check the system logs (transaction SLG1) for any related messages or errors that occurred during the deletion process. This can provide insights into why the deletion was triggered.
  
  
  Consult Configuration: Review the configuration settings related to source lists in the IMG (Implementation Guide) under Materials Management. Ensure that the settings align with your business processes.
  
  
  User Authorization: Ensure that users have the appropriate authorizations to delete source lists. Sometimes, unauthorized deletions can lead to unexpected results.
  
  
  Testing: If the deletion was part of a mass update or batch job, test the process in a development or quality environment before executing it in production.
  
  
  Documentation: Document the changes made to the source lists and communicate with relevant stakeholders to ensure everyone is aware of the changes.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME01 (Create Source List), ME03 (Display Source List), ME05 (Delete Source List), and ME06 (Mass Deletion of Source Lists).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to source list management.
  Training: Consider training for users involved in materials management to prevent accidental deletions and to ensure proper handling of source lists.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the ME873 error and manage your source lists effectively.