How To Fix UGMD046 - &1: Deletion not possible; &2 is still in use

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UGMD - FIN Master Data: Messages

• Message number: 046

• Message text: &1: Deletion not possible; &2 is still in use

What causes this issue?

&V1& &V2& is used in a combination characteristic, and therefore cannot
be deleted. Deletion will be possible once the characteristic value is
no longer in use.

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?

To delete &V1& &V2&, change the combination characteristic so that &V2&
is no longer used.
If &V2& has further usages, the system will display this when you try to
delete it again. In this case, delete the other uses also.

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 UGMD046 - &1: Deletion not possible; &2 is still in use ?

  The SAP error message UGMD046 indicates that a deletion operation cannot be performed because the specified object (denoted by &1) is still in use by another object or process (denoted by &2). This error typically occurs in the context of managing master data, such as materials, customers, vendors, or other entities within the SAP system.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the object you are trying to delete is still referenced or linked to other objects or transactions in the system. For example:
  
  A material may be linked to open purchase orders or sales orders.
  A customer or vendor may have outstanding invoices or transactions.
  A master data record may be used in various configurations or settings that prevent its deletion.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Dependencies: Check the object (&1) for any dependencies or references that might be preventing its deletion. You can use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE16 (Data Browser) to investigate related tables.
  
  
  Review Related Transactions: Look for any open transactions that are using the object. For example, if it’s a material, check for:
  
  Open purchase orders (ME23N)
  Open sales orders (VA03)
  Stock levels (MMBE)
  
  
  
  Clear Dependencies: If you find any dependencies, you will need to either complete, close, or delete those transactions before you can delete the object. This may involve:
  
  Deleting or closing open orders.
  Adjusting stock levels.
  Removing references in related master data.
  
  
  
  Use Deletion Flags: In some cases, you may not want to delete the object permanently. Instead, you can set a deletion flag (if applicable) to mark it for deletion without removing it from the database immediately.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the dependencies or how to proceed, consult the SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for guidance.
  
  
  Check Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform deletion operations in the system.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that can help you analyze and manage master data, such as:
  
  MM03 (Display Material)
  XK03 (Display Vendor)
  BP (Business Partner)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to the UGMD046 error message.
  
  
  System Logs: Review system logs or error logs for more detailed information about the error and its context.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the UGMD046 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.