How To Fix N2M180 - It is not possible to change the merchandise category

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 180

• Message text: It is not possible to change the merchandise category

What causes this issue?

You want to replace merchandise category &V2& with merchandise category
&V3& in item &V1&.

System Response

Item &V1& is already associated with other items. The Customizing
settings were checked and this showed that association partners were
selected for the item at merchandise category level.
The merchandise category cannot be changed.

How to fix this error?

The merchandise category can only be changed if all associations
involving item &V1& are deleted.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message N2M180 - It is not possible to change the merchandise category ?

  The SAP error message N2M180, which states "It is not possible to change the merchandise category," typically occurs in the context of managing merchandise categories in SAP Retail or SAP S/4HANA. This error can arise due to several reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution.
  Causes:
  
  Data Consistency: The merchandise category may be linked to various master data records (like articles, pricing, etc.), and changing it could lead to inconsistencies in the data.
  Transaction Restrictions: Certain transactions or processes may have restrictions that prevent changes to the merchandise category once it has been set.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to make changes to the merchandise category.
  System Configuration: The system may be configured in a way that restricts changes to merchandise categories after certain conditions are met (e.g., after a certain period or after certain transactions have been executed).
  Status of the Merchandise Category: The merchandise category might be in a status that does not allow changes (e.g., it could be locked or inactive).
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Data Dependencies: Review the dependencies and relationships of the merchandise category with other data. Ensure that there are no active transactions or dependencies that would prevent the change.
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user attempting to make the change has the necessary authorizations. If not, contact your system administrator to grant the required permissions.
  Consult Configuration Settings: Check the configuration settings in the SAP system to see if there are any restrictions on changing merchandise categories. This may require access to the IMG (Implementation Guide).
  Use Alternative Methods: If changing the merchandise category directly is not possible, consider whether you can create a new merchandise category and reassign the articles or data to this new category.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They may provide insights based on the specific configuration and version of your SAP system.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Documentation: Review the SAP documentation related to merchandise categories and their management to understand the implications of changing them.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the N2M180 error and implement a suitable solution.