How To Fix RTCMMD156 - The hierarchy data was not deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RTCMMD - Article Hierarchy

• Message number: 156

• Message text: The hierarchy data was not deleted

What causes this issue?

An error occurred when updating the hierarchy data and caused a
termination. The cause could be an incompletely maintained hierarchy
data record (for example, missing entry for the top node in the material
hierarchy).

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?

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 RTCMMD156 - The hierarchy data was not deleted ?

  The SAP error message RTCMMD156, which states "The hierarchy data was not deleted," typically occurs in the context of managing master data hierarchies, such as those related to materials, customers, or vendors. This error can arise for several reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution.
  Causes:
  
  
  Dependencies: The hierarchy data you are trying to delete may have dependencies or relationships with other data objects. For example, if there are still references to the hierarchy in other transactions or master data, the system will prevent deletion.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to delete the hierarchy data. This can be due to role restrictions or missing permissions.
  
  
  Data Integrity Constraints: SAP enforces data integrity rules, and if the hierarchy is linked to other data that is still active or in use, the system will not allow deletion.
  
  
  System Configuration: There may be specific configurations or settings in the system that prevent the deletion of certain hierarchy data.
  
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Dependencies: Review the hierarchy data for any existing dependencies. Ensure that there are no active references to the hierarchy in other master data or transactions. You may need to delete or deactivate those references first.
  
  
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user attempting to delete the hierarchy has the necessary authorizations. You may need to consult with your SAP security team to verify and adjust roles and permissions.
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes: Utilize relevant transaction codes (like SE11, SE16, or SE38) to analyze the hierarchy data and check for any linked records that may be preventing deletion.
  
  
  Check Configuration Settings: Review the configuration settings related to the hierarchy management in your SAP system. Consult with your SAP Basis or configuration team to ensure that there are no settings that restrict deletion.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message. There may be patches or updates that resolve known issues.
  
  
  Error Logs: Review the system logs (transaction SLG1) for more detailed error messages that may provide additional context on why the deletion failed.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on managing hierarchies and understanding the specific context of the error.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  SAP Support: If the issue persists and cannot be resolved through the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the RTCMMD156 error and implement a solution to successfully delete the hierarchy data.