How To Fix QS421 - Cannot deactivate multiple specifications

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QS - QM: Master data

• Message number: 421

• Message text: Cannot deactivate multiple specifications

What causes this issue?

There are still inspection plans with multiple specifications in the
system. For example, plan &V2& from plan group &V1&.
To avoid confusion, the "Multiple Specifications" function can only be
deactivated if there are no inspection lots with multiple specifications
in the system. Note that the system does not consider the change status
when doing this. This means that the function cannot be deactivated for
as long as an inspection plan with multiple specifications exists; even
if the specification has become invalid.

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?

You can remove any inspection plans that have multiple specifications
from the system by using the archiving function and then deactivating
the "Multiple Specifications" function.
Alternatively, you can activate the "Multiple Specifications" function
in the current client. This does not result in any functional
restrictions, but does mean that the fields for multiple specifications
remain visible in the individual transactions throughout the whole
client.

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 QS421 - Cannot deactivate multiple specifications ?

  The SAP error message QS421, which states "Cannot deactivate multiple specifications," typically occurs in the context of Quality Management (QM) when you attempt to deactivate multiple material specifications or quality specifications at once, but the system is unable to process the request due to certain constraints or conditions.
  Causes:
  
  Active Usage: The specifications you are trying to deactivate may be actively used in quality inspections, production processes, or other related transactions.
  Dependencies: There may be dependencies or links to other specifications, materials, or processes that prevent deactivation.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to deactivate multiple specifications.
  System Settings: Certain system settings or configurations may restrict the deactivation of multiple specifications at once.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Active Usage: Verify if the specifications you are trying to deactivate are currently in use. If they are, you may need to complete or cancel those processes before deactivation.
  Deactivate Individually: If the system does not allow multiple deactivations, try deactivating the specifications one at a time.
  Review Dependencies: Check for any dependencies or links to other specifications or processes that may be preventing deactivation. Resolve these dependencies if possible.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform the deactivation. If not, contact your SAP administrator to obtain the required permissions.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help resources for any specific notes or guidelines related to the QS421 error message.
  System Configuration: If the issue persists, consult with your SAP Basis or technical team to review system configurations that may be affecting the deactivation process.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP QM, such as QS21 (Create Material Specification) and QS22 (Change Material Specification), which may be useful for managing specifications.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to the QS421 error message in the SAP Support Portal, as there may be patches or updates that address this issue.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the QS421 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.