How To Fix RMSA_VRS018 - Deletion not possible; & is the predecessor in a replacement relationship

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RMSA_VRS - RMS: Versioning

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Deletion not possible; & is the predecessor in a replacement relationship

What causes this issue?

You want to delete object &V1&. This is not possible, since &V1& is
still being used as a predecessor in a replacement relationship.

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?

Delete all the subsequent objects in the replacement relationship, in
other words, all the objects that replace object &V1&, or delete the
replacement relationship for object &V1&.
Delete object &V1&.

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 RMSA_VRS018 - Deletion not possible; & is the predecessor in a replacement relationship ?

  The SAP error message RMSA_VRS018 indicates that a deletion operation is not possible because the item you are trying to delete is a predecessor in a replacement relationship. This typically occurs in the context of managing product lifecycle data, where certain items are linked through replacement relationships.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you attempt to delete a material or product that is still referenced as a predecessor in a replacement relationship. In SAP, replacement relationships are used to indicate that one product is being replaced by another. If the predecessor is still active in this relationship, the system prevents deletion to maintain data integrity and avoid orphaned relationships.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Replacement Relationships:
  
  Navigate to the relevant transaction in SAP (e.g., using transaction code RMSA or MM02 for material management).
  Check the replacement relationships for the item you are trying to delete. You can do this by looking at the material master data or using specific reports that show replacement relationships.
  
  
  
  Remove or Change the Relationship:
  
  If the predecessor is still needed in the replacement relationship, you may need to change the relationship or remove it before you can delete the predecessor.
  To remove the relationship, you can go to the relevant screen in SAP and delete the replacement relationship for the predecessor item.
  
  
  
  Delete the Item:
  
  Once the replacement relationship is removed, you should be able to delete the predecessor item without encountering the error.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of removing a replacement relationship, consult your organization's documentation or speak with a colleague who is knowledgeable about product lifecycle management in SAP.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies:
  
  Ensure that there are no other dependencies or references to the item you are trying to delete. This includes checking for any active sales orders, purchase orders, or inventory records that may be linked to the item.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM02 (Change Material), MM03 (Display Material), and RMSA (Manage Replacement Relationships).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or updates related to this error message.
  User Roles: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to modify or delete materials and their relationships in SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RMSA_VRS018 error and successfully manage your product data in SAP.