How To Fix PHIN568 - Serial number &1 of existing equipment &2 must not be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PHIN - Phase In: Messages

• Message number: 568

• Message text: Serial number &1 of existing equipment &2 must not be deleted

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PHIN568 - Serial number &1 of existing equipment &2 must not be deleted ?

  The SAP error message PHIN568 indicates that there is an attempt to delete a serial number associated with existing equipment, which is not allowed. This error typically arises in the context of equipment management within SAP, particularly when dealing with serialized equipment.
  Cause:
  
  Existing References: The serial number you are trying to delete is still linked to existing equipment or transactions. This could include maintenance orders, inventory records, or other references that require the serial number to remain intact.
  System Constraints: SAP has built-in constraints to prevent the deletion of serial numbers that are actively being used in the system to maintain data integrity and avoid inconsistencies.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check References: Before attempting to delete the serial number, check if there are any existing references to it. You can do this by:
  
  Reviewing maintenance orders, notifications, or any other transactions that might be linked to the equipment.
  Using transaction codes like IW38 (for maintenance orders) or IW29 (for notifications) to find any active links.
  
  
  
  Remove Dependencies: If you find that the serial number is linked to any transactions, you will need to either complete or delete those transactions before you can delete the serial number.
  
  
  Use the Correct Process: If the serial number is no longer needed, consider using the appropriate process to mark it as inactive or obsolete instead of deleting it outright. This can often be done through the equipment master data.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or your organization's SAP support team for specific procedures related to handling serial numbers and equipment management.
  
  
  Authorization Check: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform deletion actions in the system. Sometimes, restrictions can be due to user roles and permissions.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  IE01: Create Equipment
  IE02: Change Equipment
  IE03: Display Equipment
  IQ01: Create Serial Number
  IQ02: Change Serial Number
  IQ03: Display Serial Number
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to this error message. SAP Notes can provide insights into specific scenarios or bugs that may be relevant.
  
  
  Training and Documentation: Ensure that users involved in equipment management are trained on the proper procedures for handling serial numbers and equipment to minimize the occurrence of such errors.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PHIN568 error and manage your equipment and serial numbers effectively within SAP.