How To Fix N2M162 - You cannot delete the item as the association cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: N2M - Global Trade: Item Category Management

• Message number: 162

• Message text: You cannot delete the item as the association cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

You want to delete item &V1& of the document.

System Response

The item cannot be deleted as it is associated with item &V2&. Item
&V1& has business process step &V3&, item &V2& has business process
step &V4&. In Customizing, the 'Deletion not allowed' indicator is set
for this combination of business process steps.

How to fix this error?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

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 N2M162 - You cannot delete the item as the association cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message N2M162, which states "You cannot delete the item as the association cannot be deleted," typically occurs in the context of managing items in a document or transaction where there are dependencies or associations that prevent deletion. This error is often encountered in modules related to materials management, sales and distribution, or project management.
  Cause:
  
  Dependencies: The item you are trying to delete may have dependencies or associations with other items or documents. For example, it could be linked to a sales order, purchase order, or another document that requires it to remain intact.
  Status Restrictions: The item may be in a status that does not allow for deletion. For instance, if the item is already processed or has been referenced in subsequent transactions, it cannot be deleted.
  Configuration Settings: Certain configuration settings in the SAP system may prevent the deletion of items that are part of a specific process or workflow.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Associations: Review the item to see if it is associated with other documents or items. You may need to delete or modify those associations before you can delete the item in question.
  Change Status: If the item is in a status that prevents deletion, you may need to change its status or reverse any transactions that have been completed with it.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources to understand the specific associations that may be preventing deletion.
  Use Transaction Codes: Utilize relevant transaction codes (like SE11 for data dictionary, SE16 for table display) to investigate the underlying data and associations.
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide guidance based on your specific configuration and usage.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to the module you are working in (e.g., ME22N for purchase orders, VA02 for sales orders).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to delete items in the system, as restrictions may be in place based on user roles.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.