How To Fix N2M163 - You cannot delete the item because a subsequent item already exists

N2M163 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 163

• Message text: You cannot delete the item because a subsequent item already exists

What causes this issue?

Item &V1& of the document is to be deleted.

System Response

The item cannot be deleted as a subsequent item (document number: &V2&,
item number &V3&) exists.

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 N2M163 - You cannot delete the item because a subsequent item already exists ?

  The SAP error message N2M163, which states "You cannot delete the item because a subsequent item already exists," typically occurs in the context of managing documents or items in SAP, particularly in modules like Materials Management (MM) or Sales and Distribution (SD). This error indicates that there is a dependency between items, where the item you are trying to delete has subsequent items that rely on it.
  
  Cause:
  
  Dependent Items: The item you are attempting to delete has subsequent items that are linked to it. For example, if you are trying to delete a line item in a purchase order or sales order, and there are subsequent items that reference it, SAP will prevent the deletion to maintain data integrity.
  Document Flow: In cases where documents are linked (like a sales order leading to a delivery), deleting an item could disrupt the flow of related documents.
  Status of Items: The status of the items