How To Fix RTCMMD157 - Hierarchy node & cannot be deleted because it is used as a reference

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RTCMMD - Article Hierarchy

• Message number: 157

• Message text: Hierarchy node & cannot be deleted because it is used as a reference

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RTCMMD157 - Hierarchy node & cannot be deleted because it is used as a reference ?

  The SAP error message RTCMMD157 indicates that a hierarchy node cannot be deleted because it is being used as a reference in another part of the system. This typically occurs in the context of master data management, where certain nodes in a hierarchy are linked to other data objects, making them essential for maintaining data integrity.
  Cause:
  
  Reference Usage: The hierarchy node you are trying to delete is referenced by other objects, such as other hierarchy nodes, master data records, or transactions.
  Data Integrity: SAP enforces data integrity rules to prevent the deletion of nodes that are still in use, which could lead to inconsistencies in the data model.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify References:
  
  Check where the hierarchy node is being used. You can do this by reviewing the hierarchy structure or using transaction codes like RSC1 (for InfoObjects) or RSC2 (for InfoProviders) to see if the node is linked to any other objects.
  
  
  
  Remove References:
  
  If you find that the node is being referenced, you will need to remove those references first. This may involve:
  
  Updating or deleting the dependent objects that reference the hierarchy node.
  Modifying any master data records that are linked to the node.
  
  
  
  
  
  Delete the Node:
  
  Once all references have been removed, you should be able to delete the hierarchy node without encountering the error.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies:
  
  After attempting to delete, if you still encounter issues, double-check for any additional dependencies that may not have been identified initially.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that can help you manage hierarchies and master data, such as:
  
  RSC1 - InfoObject maintenance
  RSC2 - InfoProvider maintenance
  RSC3 - Hierarchy maintenance
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed guidance on managing hierarchies and understanding the implications of deleting nodes.
  Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting the SAP Community for assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take the necessary actions to resolve it.