How To Fix MPE_OAN173 - Work instruction &1, vers. &2 is still referenced by OA &3, vers. &4

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MPE_OAN - Operation Activity Network Messages

• Message number: 173

• Message text: Work instruction &1, vers. &2 is still referenced by OA &3, vers. &4

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 MPE_OAN173 - Work instruction &1, vers. &2 is still referenced by OA &3, vers. &4 ?

  The SAP error message MPE_OAN173 indicates that a work instruction (WI) is still being referenced by an operational activity (OA) in a specific version. This typically occurs in the context of SAP's Manufacturing or Production Planning modules, where work instructions are linked to operational activities for production processes.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to delete or modify a work instruction that is still in use by an operational activity. The system prevents this action to maintain data integrity and ensure that all references are valid.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify References: Check which operational activities are referencing the work instruction. The error message provides the OA and its version that is still linked to the WI.
  
  
  Review Operational Activities: Navigate to the operational activity (OA) mentioned in the error message. You can do this through the relevant transaction codes (e.g., CO02 for production orders, or other relevant transactions depending on your configuration).
  
  
  Modify or Delete References: 
  
  If you need to delete or modify the work instruction, first ensure that it is no longer referenced by the operational activity. You may need to change the operational activity to reference a different work instruction or remove the reference entirely.
  If the operational activity is still active or in use, consider whether it can be completed or closed before making changes to the work instruction.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies: Ensure that there are no other dependencies or links that might prevent the deletion or modification of the work instruction.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the implications of changing or deleting the work instruction, consult your organization's documentation or reach out to a functional consultant who specializes in SAP Manufacturing or Production Planning.
  
  
  Testing: After making the necessary changes, test the process to ensure that the operational activity and work instruction function as expected without errors.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CO02 (Change Production Order), CO03 (Display Production Order), or others related to your specific SAP module.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to this error message.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to make changes to work instructions and operational activities.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or training materials related to work instructions and operational activities for best practices and guidelines.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MPE_OAN173 error and manage your work instructions and operational activities effectively.