How To Fix N2M188 - Association quantity has been transferred; deletion is not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 188

• Message text: Association quantity has been transferred; deletion is not possible

What causes this issue?

You want to delete an association between document &V1& and item &V2&,
and document &V3& and item &V4&.

System Response

The association quantity between these two document items was already
transferred to a subsequent association, either in total or in part. It
is therefore not possible to delete the association.

How to fix this error?

The action was cancelled.

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 N2M188 - Association quantity has been transferred; deletion is not possible ?

  The SAP error message N2M188, which states "Association quantity has been transferred; deletion is not possible," typically occurs in the context of managing materials or inventory in SAP, particularly when dealing with the transfer of quantities between different stock types or locations.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when you attempt to delete or modify an association (such as a stock transfer or a material movement) that has already been processed or where the associated quantity has been transferred. The system prevents deletion to maintain data integrity and ensure that inventory records remain accurate.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Status of the Association: Verify if the association you are trying to delete has been fully processed. If the quantity has been transferred, you may need to reverse the transfer or adjust the inventory accordingly.
  
  
  Review Related Documents: Look for any related documents (like transfer orders, delivery documents, etc.) that may be linked to the association. Ensure that these documents are completed or canceled if necessary.
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may need to use specific transaction codes to manage the inventory or stock movements. For example:
  
  MB1A: Goods Withdrawal
  MB1B: Transfer Posting
  MB1C: Other Goods Receipts
  
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator: If you are unsure about how to proceed or if the association is critical, consult with your SAP administrator or a colleague with expertise in inventory management. They may have additional insights or permissions to help resolve the issue.
  
  
  Check for Customizations: If your organization has custom processes or enhancements in SAP, check if there are any specific rules or workflows that might be affecting the ability to delete the association.
  
  
  Documentation and Support: Refer to SAP documentation or support resources for more detailed guidance on handling this specific error message. SAP Notes or Knowledge Base Articles may provide additional context or solutions.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Modules: This error is often encountered in modules related to Materials Management (MM) and Inventory Management (IM).
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces strict data integrity rules to prevent inconsistencies in inventory records, which is why deletion is restricted in this case.
  Error Handling: Familiarize yourself with common error handling practices in SAP, as many errors can be resolved by understanding the underlying business processes and data flows.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the N2M188 error effectively.