How To Fix POWL018 - Category '&' was assigned by your admin and cannot be deleted


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: POWL - Internal Messages used in generic personal object work list

  • Message number: 018

  • Message text: Category '&' was assigned by your admin and cannot be deleted

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  • 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.

    Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.



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    Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message POWL018 - Category '&' was assigned by your admin and cannot be deleted ?

    The SAP error message POWL018 indicates that a specific category (denoted by '&') in the Personal Object Worklist (POWL) has been assigned by an administrator and cannot be deleted by the user. This typically occurs in the context of managing worklists in SAP, where certain categories are predefined or controlled by system administrators to ensure consistency and compliance with business processes.

    Cause:

    1. Admin Assignment: The category in question has been assigned by an administrator, which means it is likely part of a standard configuration or a controlled environment.
    2. User Permissions: The user may not have the necessary permissions to delete or modify categories that are managed by the system or by an administrator.
    3. System Configuration: The system may be configured to prevent users from deleting certain categories to maintain data integrity or to enforce specific workflows.

    Solution:

    1. Contact Administrator: The most straightforward solution is to reach out to your SAP system administrator. They can provide insights into why the category is locked and whether it can be modified or deleted.
    2. Review Permissions: Check if your user role has the necessary permissions to manage categories. If not, your administrator may need to adjust your permissions.
    3. Use Alternative Categories: If the category cannot be deleted, consider using alternative categories for your worklist needs, if available.
    4. Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more information on managing POWL categories and understanding the implications of admin-assigned categories.

    Related Information:

    • POWL Configuration: Understanding how POWL is configured in your SAP system can help you navigate issues related to categories. This includes knowing which categories are user-defined versus admin-defined.
    • User Roles and Authorizations: Familiarize yourself with the roles and authorizations in your SAP environment, as these can impact your ability to manage worklists.
    • SAP Notes and Support: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional context on managing POWL categories.

    By following these steps and consulting with your SAP administrator, you should be able to resolve the issue or find a suitable workaround.

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