How To Fix PH153 - Deletion is not possible because archiving has already begun

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PH - PA: Archiving & Reorganization

• Message number: 153

• Message text: Deletion is not possible because archiving has already begun

What causes this issue?

You have tried to cancel a personnel number's assignment to an
archiving group. However, archiving has already begun for the data
entered for this personnel number.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

If you do not want to archive the data entered for this personnel
number, cancel the HR preparations for archiving. You can then cancel
the personnel number's assignment to the archiving group.

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 PH153 - Deletion is not possible because archiving has already begun ?

  The SAP error message PH153, which states "Deletion is not possible because archiving has already begun," typically occurs when you attempt to delete a personnel record or related data that has already been marked for archiving in the SAP system. This situation arises when the data has been flagged for archiving, meaning that it is in the process of being moved to an archive for long-term storage, and therefore cannot be deleted directly.
  Cause:
  
  Archiving Process Initiated: The personnel data you are trying to delete has already been processed for archiving. This means that the data is no longer in the active database but is being moved to an archive.
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces data integrity rules to prevent inconsistencies that could arise from deleting data that is in the process of being archived.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Archiving Status: Verify the status of the archiving process for the personnel records in question. You can do this by checking the archiving logs or using transaction codes like SARA (Archive Administration) to see if the archiving process is still ongoing or has been completed.
  
  
  Wait for Completion: If the archiving process is still ongoing, you may need to wait until it is fully completed before attempting to delete the records.
  
  
  Use the Correct Transaction: If you need to delete personnel records, ensure you are using the correct transaction code and that the records are not in an archived state.
  
  
  Consult with Basis Team: If you are unsure about the archiving status or if the process seems to be stuck, consult with your SAP Basis team. They can provide insights into the archiving process and help resolve any issues.
  
  
  Restore from Archive: If you need to delete the records and they have already been archived, you may need to restore them from the archive first (if applicable) and then proceed with the deletion.
  
  
  Review Archiving Policies: If this issue occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing your organization's archiving policies and procedures to ensure they align with your data management needs.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SARA (for archiving), PA30 (for personnel administration), and PA40 (for personnel actions).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or updates related to error PH153. SAP Notes can provide additional context or solutions for known issues.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to data archiving and deletion processes to understand the implications and best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the PH153 error and manage your personnel records effectively.