How To Fix RETMCA016 - &1 &2 is already assigned to term &4 via object group &3

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RETMCA - Terms

• Message number: 016

• Message text: &1 &2 is already assigned to term &4 via object group &3

What causes this issue?

An object can be assigned to only one term number at the most per term
category. The assignment of an object group to a term corresponds to
the assignment of all individual objects in the object group.
&V1& &V2& is already assigned to term &V4& via object group &V3&.

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?

If necessary, first delete the assignment of object group &V3& in term
&V4&. However, remember that you thereby also remove the indirect
assignment of the individual objects in the object group.

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 RETMCA016 - &1 &2 is already assigned to term &4 via object group &3 ?

  The SAP error message RETMCA016 indicates that there is a conflict in the assignment of a term to an object group. Specifically, it means that the term you are trying to assign (indicated by &4) is already assigned to another object group (indicated by &3). The placeholders &1 and &2 typically represent additional details about the term or object group involved.
  Cause:
  This error usually occurs in the context of managing terms and object groups in SAP, particularly in the area of classification or terminology management. The underlying causes can include:
  
  Duplicate Assignment: The term is already linked to a different object group, and SAP does not allow multiple assignments of the same term to different groups.
  Data Integrity Rules: SAP enforces data integrity rules to prevent conflicts and ensure that terms are uniquely assigned to object groups.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Assignments:
  
  Use the relevant transaction code (e.g., CT04 for class types or RETM for term management) to check the current assignments of the term in question.
  Identify the object group to which the term is already assigned.
  
  
  
  Decide on the Action:
  
  If the term should remain assigned to the existing object group, you may need to reconsider your current assignment attempt.
  If you need to assign the term to a new object group, you will first need to remove the existing assignment. This can typically be done in the same transaction where you checked the assignments.
  
  
  
  Remove or Change Assignment:
  
  Navigate to the existing assignment and remove it if necessary.
  After removing the assignment, you can then proceed to assign the term to the desired object group.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of changing term assignments, consult your organization's documentation or SAP help resources for guidance on terminology management.
  
  
  
  Check for Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to term assignments in SAP.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CT04 (for class types) and RETM (for term management).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to this error message.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RETMCA016 error and successfully manage term assignments in your SAP system.