How To Fix MF312 - Delete function not possible. Lower-level elements exist.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MF - MPS planning and evaluation

• Message number: 312

• Message text: Delete function not possible. Lower-level elements exist.

What causes this issue?

The hierarchy element cannot be deleted becuase a lower-level element
still exists for it.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MF312 - Delete function not possible. Lower-level elements exist. ?

  The SAP error message MF312 ("Delete function not possible. Lower-level elements exist.") typically occurs when you attempt to delete a higher-level item in a bill of materials (BOM) or a similar hierarchical structure, but there are still dependent lower-level elements (sub-items or components) associated with it. This is a protective measure to prevent the accidental deletion of important data that is still in use.
  Cause:
  
  Dependent Elements: The higher-level item you are trying to delete has one or more lower-level elements (sub-items) that are still active or in use.
  BOM Structure: In a BOM, if you try to delete a parent item, the system checks for any child items. If any child items exist, the deletion is not allowed.
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces data integrity by preventing the deletion of items that are still referenced in other documents or processes.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Lower-Level Elements:
  
  Use transaction codes like CS03 (Display BOM) or CS02 (Change BOM) to view the BOM structure and identify the lower-level elements associated with the higher-level item you want to delete.
  
  
  
  Delete Lower-Level Elements:
  
  If the lower-level elements are no longer needed, you can delete them first. Use CS02 to change the BOM and remove the components.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies:
  
  Ensure that there are no other dependencies or references to the lower-level elements in other documents (like production orders, purchase orders, etc.). You may need to delete or modify these references first.
  
  
  
  Use the Correct Transaction:
  
  Make sure you are using the correct transaction for the type of item you are trying to delete. For example, if you are working with a material master, you might need to use MM02 or MM03.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help files for specific instructions related to the type of BOM or structure you are working with.
  
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  CS01 - Create BOM
  CS02 - Change BOM
  CS03 - Display BOM
  MM01 - Create Material
  MM02 - Change Material
  MM03 - Display Material
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific issues related to your version of SAP that might provide additional context or solutions.
  
  
  Data Integrity: Understand the importance of data integrity in SAP and how it affects your ability to delete or modify records.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the MF312 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.