How To Fix QS714 - Method was already used and as a result cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QS - QM: Master data

• Message number: 714

• Message text: Method was already used and as a result cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

You want to delete a validity period of the master record. This is not
possible because a version of the inspection method was already being
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 an inspection method:
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 through archiving.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message QS714 - Method was already used and as a result cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message QS714 ("Method was already used and as a result cannot be deleted") typically occurs in the context of Quality Management (QM) or when dealing with inspection methods in SAP. This error indicates that the inspection method you are trying to delete has already been utilized in some transactions or processes, making it impossible to remove it from the system.
  Cause:
  
  Usage in Inspection Lots: The inspection method has been assigned to one or more inspection lots that have already been processed.
  Assigned to Material Master: The method may be linked to a material master record that is currently in use.
  Linked to Quality Plans: The method could be part of a quality plan that has been executed or is still active.
  Historical Data: The method may have historical data associated with it, which prevents deletion.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Usage: 
  
  Identify where the inspection method is being used. You can do this by checking inspection lots, quality plans, or material master records.
  Use transaction codes like QA03 (Display Inspection Lot) or QDP1 (Display Quality Plan) to find references to the method.
  
  
  
  Remove Associations:
  
  If the method is linked to an inspection lot, you may need to complete or delete the inspection lot before you can delete the method.
  If it is part of a quality plan, consider removing it from the plan or deactivating the plan if it is no longer needed.
  
  
  
  Consult with Stakeholders: 
  
  Discuss with your quality management team or relevant stakeholders to understand the implications of deleting the method and ensure that it is safe to do so.
  
  
  
  Archiving: 
  
  If the method is no longer needed but cannot be deleted due to historical data, consider archiving it instead of deleting it.
  
  
  
  System Configuration: 
  
  If you believe the method should be deletable, check with your SAP Basis or technical team to ensure there are no system configurations or settings preventing the deletion.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for Quality Management to understand the implications of deleting inspection methods.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as QMAT (Quality Management: Material Master) and QDP1 (Quality Plan) for managing inspection methods.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to this error message.
  
  If you continue to face issues, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.