How To Fix QS186 - Characteristic is being used and therefore cannot be deleted

QS186 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QS - QM: Master data

• Message number: 186

• Message text: Characteristic is being used and therefore cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

You want to delete a validity period for the master inspection
characteristic. This is not allowed because a version of the master
inspection characteristic has already been used.

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?

How can this happen?

There are the following versions of a master inspection characteristic:
Version 1 is valid from 1.1.2000 and has already been used:
It was replaced on 1.2.2001 in all applications by version 2.
Version 2 is valid from 1.1.2001: It replaces version 1 from 1.2.2001.
Version 3 is valid from 1.1.2003 and has not yet been used.
If you want to use the deletion function without entering a key date,
only versions 1, 2, and 3 can be selected. Only version 3 can be
deleted.
If you call up the deletion function with key date 1.1.2002, only
versions 1 and 2 can be selected. None of the versions can be deleted.
You can only delete version 1 using archiving.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message QS186 - Characteristic is being used and therefore cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message QS186 ("Characteristic is being used and therefore cannot be deleted") typically occurs when you attempt to delete a characteristic that is currently in use in various contexts within the SAP system. This can include being part of a classification, assigned to a material, or linked to a quality management process.
  
  Cause:
  The error arises because the characteristic you are trying to delete is still referenced in one or more places in the system. Common scenarios include:
  
  The characteristic is assigned to a class or object in the classification system.
  It is being used in a quality inspection plan.
  It is linked to a material master record.
  It is part of a variant configuration.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to identify where the characteristic is being used and remove it from those contexts before attempting to delete it again. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Check Class Assignments:
  
  Go to the classification system and