How To Fix RTCMMD405 - An active article hierarchy already exists (data inconsistency)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RTCMMD - Article Hierarchy

• Message number: 405

• Message text: An active article hierarchy already exists (data inconsistency)

What causes this issue?

If the <ZK>End Node Check</> indicator is set, a check is run on active
article hierarchies to ensure that value-only articles are only attached
to end nodes. If the indicator is set and active article hierarchies
already exist in the system, a warning is issued to make the user aware
of potential data inconsistency.

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 RTCMMD405 - An active article hierarchy already exists (data inconsistency) ?

  The SAP error message RTCMMD405, which states "An active article hierarchy already exists (data inconsistency)," typically occurs in the context of managing article hierarchies in SAP Retail or SAP S/4HANA. This error indicates that there is an attempt to create or activate a new article hierarchy while another active hierarchy already exists, leading to a data inconsistency.
  Cause:
  
  Existing Active Hierarchy: The primary cause of this error is that there is already an active article hierarchy in the system. SAP does not allow multiple active hierarchies for the same article type at the same time.
  Data Inconsistency: There may be inconsistencies in the data that prevent the system from recognizing the current state of hierarchies.
  Incorrect Configuration: The configuration settings for article hierarchies may not be set up correctly, leading to conflicts.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Hierarchies:
  
  Use transaction codes like MM42 (Change Article) or MM43 (Display Article) to check if there is an existing active article hierarchy.
  Navigate to the relevant hierarchy management transactions to see if there are any active hierarchies.
  
  
  
  Deactivate Existing Hierarchy:
  
  If you find an active hierarchy that is no longer needed, you can deactivate it. This can typically be done through the hierarchy management transaction (e.g., RHMD).
  Ensure that deactivating the hierarchy does not affect any ongoing processes or reporting.
  
  
  
  Create New Hierarchy:
  
  Once the existing hierarchy is deactivated, you can proceed to create or activate the new article hierarchy.
  
  
  
  Data Consistency Check:
  
  Run consistency checks or reports to ensure that there are no other underlying issues causing the error. This may involve checking for orphaned records or inconsistencies in the database.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to article hierarchy management for specific guidelines and best practices.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists or if you are unsure about the steps to take, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They can provide insights based on the specific configuration and version of your SAP system.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as RHMD, MM42, MM43, and others related to article management.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to view and modify article hierarchies in the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RTCMMD405 error and manage your article hierarchies effectively.