How To Fix PLM_AUDIT_ARCH020 - Vendor &1 was used

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PLM_AUDIT_ARCH - PLM Audit Management: Archiving

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Vendor &1 was used

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 PLM_AUDIT_ARCH020 - Vendor &1 was used ?

  The SAP error message PLM_AUDIT_ARCH020 typically indicates that a vendor (in this case, represented by &1) is being referenced in a way that is not allowed due to audit or archiving restrictions. This error is often encountered in the context of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) module, particularly when dealing with audit trails or archiving processes.
  Cause:
  The error can occur for several reasons, including:
  
  Active Vendor Usage: The vendor is still actively used in transactions or documents, which prevents certain operations like archiving or deletion.
  Audit Restrictions: The system may have specific audit requirements that prevent the vendor from being archived or modified.
  Data Integrity: The system is designed to maintain data integrity, and if a vendor is linked to other records, it cannot be removed or archived without addressing those dependencies.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the PLM_AUDIT_ARCH020 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Vendor Usage:
  
  Review the vendor's usage in the system. Check if there are any open purchase orders, contracts, or other documents that reference the vendor.
  Use transaction codes like ME2N (Purchase Orders by Vendor) or ME3N (Outline Agreements by Vendor) to identify any active references.
  
  
  
  Clear Dependencies:
  
  If the vendor is still in use, you may need to complete or close any outstanding transactions before you can archive or delete the vendor.
  If the vendor is no longer needed, consider deactivating it instead of deleting it, which may allow you to maintain historical data while preventing further use.
  
  
  
  Audit Compliance:
  
  Ensure that any actions taken comply with your organization's audit policies. If the vendor is part of an audit trail, consult with your compliance team before making changes.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to PLM and vendor management for any specific guidelines or procedures that may apply to your situation.
  
  
  
  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 of your system.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for vendor management, such as:
  
  MK03: Display Vendor
  MK02: Change Vendor
  MK01: Create Vendor
  
  
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to PLM_AUDIT_ARCH020 for any patches or updates that may address the issue.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform actions on vendor records, as restrictions may also lead to errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.