How To Fix PE696 - Employee is already assigned, shift cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PE - Shift Planning: Messages

• Message number: 696

• Message text: Employee is already assigned, shift cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

You cannot delete this shift because the employee has already been
assigned to a requirements record to cover the requirements.

System Response

The system does not allow you to delete the shift.

How to fix this error?

If you still want to change the requirements assignment of this
employee, delete the employee's valid requirements assignment for this
day. You find this function by choosing Edit -> Assignments -> Display.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PE696 - Employee is already assigned, shift cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message PE696 ("Employee is already assigned, shift cannot be deleted") typically occurs in the context of time management or personnel administration when attempting to delete a shift assignment for an employee who is already assigned to that shift. This error is common in systems that manage employee schedules, shifts, or time entries.
  Cause:
  
  Existing Assignment: The employee has an existing assignment for the shift you are trying to delete. This could be due to a scheduled work shift, a planned absence, or any other time-related entry that conflicts with the deletion.
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces data integrity rules to ensure that shifts and assignments are not deleted if they are currently in use or if doing so would create inconsistencies in the time management data.
  Locked Records: The record may be locked by another process or user, preventing deletion.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Current Assignments: Before attempting to delete a shift, check the employee's current assignments to see if they are indeed assigned to the shift you are trying to delete. You can do this by reviewing the employee's schedule or time entries.
  Remove Conflicting Assignments: If the employee is assigned to the shift, you will need to remove or adjust that assignment before you can delete the shift. This may involve changing the employee's schedule or modifying their time entries.
  Use Correct Transaction Codes: Ensure you are using the correct transaction codes for managing shifts and assignments. For example, use transaction codes like PT60 (Time Evaluation) or PT61 (Change Time Data) to manage time-related entries.
  Consult with HR or IT: If you are unsure about how to proceed or if the issue persists, consult with your HR department or IT support team. They may have additional insights or access to tools that can help resolve the issue.
  Check for Locks: If the record is locked, you may need to wait for the lock to be released or contact your system administrator to unlock the record.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on time management and personnel administration.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA20 (Display HR Master Data), PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data), and PT60 (Time Evaluation).
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to delete shifts and manage employee assignments in the SAP system.
  Error Logs: Check the system logs for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.