How To Fix UGMD040 - &1: &2 is still in use and cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UGMD - FIN Master Data: Messages

• Message number: 040

• Message text: &1: &2 is still in use and cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

&V1& &V2& is used by &V3& &V4&, and therefore cannot be deleted.
Deletion is only possible when the characteristic value is no longer
used.

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?

If you want to delete &V1& &V2&, you must first change &V3& &V4& so that
&V1& &V2& is no longer used.
Note that further uses of &V1& &V2& may exist. That is, after you have
changed &V3& &V4&, the system may display yet another usage the next
time you attempt the deletion. Hence, make sure you eliminate all uses
of &V1& &V2&.

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 UGMD040 - &1: &2 is still in use and cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message UGMD040 indicates that a specific object (like a master data record, configuration, or other entity) cannot be deleted because it is still in use. This typically occurs in scenarios where the object is linked to other data or processes within the SAP system.
  Cause:
  
  Active References: The object you are trying to delete has active references in other parts of the system. For example, if you are trying to delete a material master record, it may still be linked to open purchase orders, sales orders, or stock levels.
  Dependencies: The object may have dependencies that prevent its deletion. For instance, if a cost center is assigned to a controlling area, it cannot be deleted until it is unassigned.
  User Authorizations: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to delete the object, leading to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Dependencies: Identify where the object is being used. You can use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE16 (Data Browser) to check for references in related tables.
  Remove References: Before attempting to delete the object, ensure that all references to it are removed. This may involve:
  
  Deleting or modifying related documents (e.g., purchase orders, sales orders).
  Unassigning the object from other entities (e.g., unassigning a cost center from a controlling area).
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes: Depending on the object type, you may need to use specific transaction codes to find and remove references. For example:
  
  For materials: Use MM03 to view material data and check for dependent documents.
  For cost centers: Use KS03 to view cost center details.
  
  
  Check for Locks: Ensure that there are no locks on the object that might prevent deletion. You can check for locks using transaction code SM12.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files for specific guidance on the object type you are dealing with.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for the object type you are working with.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to the UGMD040 error.
  User Roles: Ensure that your user role has the necessary permissions to delete the object in question.
  Testing in Development: If possible, replicate the issue in a development or test environment to better understand the dependencies and references before attempting to delete in production.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the UGMD040 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.