How To Fix UCS0162 - Recursive linking of source tasks (&3)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UCS0 - Messages for Status Management

• Message number: 162

• Message text: Recursive linking of source tasks (&3)

What causes this issue?

Source task &V2& is assigned to copy task &V1&. But that source task
also, directly or indirectly, points to source task &V3& - according to
the following sequence: &V4&.
The system cannot unambiguously interpret these kinds of recursive
source task assignments and, therefore, considers them invalid.

System Response

The definition of task &V1& is inconsistent and cannot be saved in its
current state.

How to fix this error?

Drop the assignment of task &V2& as the source task for copy task &V1&
for now.
Check the source tasks of all tasks affected in the recursion and if
necessary, adjust your settings.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message UCS0162 - Recursive linking of source tasks (&3) ?

  The SAP error message UCS0162, which states "Recursive linking of source tasks (&3)," typically occurs in the context of SAP's Project System (PS) or when dealing with task dependencies in a project. This error indicates that there is a circular dependency among tasks, meaning that a task is indirectly linked to itself through other tasks, which creates a recursive loop.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is the configuration of task dependencies where:
  
  A task is set to depend on another task that, in turn, depends on the first task, creating a circular reference.
  This can happen due to incorrect settings in the task relationships or when tasks are linked inappropriately during project planning.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the UCS0162 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Review Task Dependencies:
  
  Go through the task relationships in your project. Check the predecessor and successor relationships to identify any circular dependencies.
  Use transaction codes like CJ20N (Project Builder) or CJ02 (Change Project) to view and edit the project structure.
  
  
  
  Modify Task Links:
  
  Once you identify the tasks involved in the circular dependency, modify the links to eliminate the recursion. Ensure that no task is indirectly linked back to itself.
  You may need to remove or change the dependency type (e.g., finish-to-start, start-to-start) to break the cycle.
  
  
  
  Validate Changes:
  
  After making changes, validate the project structure to ensure that the error is resolved. You can do this by trying to save or activate the project again.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  Test the project planning and scheduling to ensure that the changes have resolved the issue and that the project can be executed without further errors.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation on Project System and task dependencies for more detailed guidance on managing task relationships.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to task dependencies or provide patches for known bugs.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels for additional insights or similar cases encountered by other users.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the UCS0162 error and ensure that your project tasks are correctly linked without circular dependencies.