How To Fix SLS020 - Location is used in tables. You cannot delete.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SLS - PAW - Message class

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Location is used in tables. You cannot delete.

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SLS020 - Location is used in tables. You cannot delete. ?

  The SAP error message SLS020 indicates that a location (such as a storage location, plant, or similar entity) is being referenced in one or more tables, which prevents its deletion. This is a common issue in SAP systems when trying to delete master data that is still in use.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because the location you are trying to delete is linked to various transactions or master data records in the system. This could include:
  
  Stock movements
  Purchase orders
  Sales orders
  Inventory records
  Other related documents
  
  SAP enforces data integrity, so it does not allow the deletion of records that are still in use.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Dependencies: 
  
  Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE16 (Data Browser) to check the tables that reference the location you want to delete. Common tables to check include:
  
  MARD (Storage Location Data for Material)
  MKPF (Material Document Header)
  MSEG (Document Segment: Material)
  EKKO (Purchasing Document Header)
  EKPO (Purchasing Document Item)
  
  
  You can also use transaction S_LG1_11000000 to check for any dependent documents.
  
  
  
  Remove Dependencies: 
  
  If you find that the location is being used in any transactions, you will need to either delete or archive those transactions before you can delete the location.
  For example, if there are open purchase orders or stock movements, you may need to close or delete those first.
  
  
  
  Check for Custom Logic: 
  
  If your organization has custom developments or enhancements, ensure that there are no custom programs or logic that might be referencing the location.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Code: 
  
  If you are sure that the location is no longer needed and all dependencies have been resolved, you can use transaction OX09 (for storage locations) or OX10 (for plants) to delete the location.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your Team: 
  
  If you are unsure about the implications of deleting the location, consult with your SAP functional team or a business process owner to ensure that it is safe to proceed.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Integrity: SAP maintains strict data integrity rules to ensure that all references are valid and that deleting data does not lead to inconsistencies.
  Archiving: If the data is no longer needed but cannot be deleted due to dependencies, consider archiving the data instead.
  Documentation: Always document any changes made to master data for future reference and compliance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SLS020 error and successfully delete the location if it is no longer needed.