How To Fix UGMD052 - &1 is used in a hierarchy and cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UGMD - FIN Master Data: Messages

• Message number: 052

• Message text: &1 is used in a hierarchy and cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

&V1& is used in hierarchy &V2& in hierarchy version &V3& starting on
&V4&. Therefore you are <ZH>not</> allowed to delete &V1& &V2&. Deletion
is only possible when the characteristic value is <ZH>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&, you first have to change the hierachy so
that &V1& is <ZH>not</> used any more.
There may still be other uses of &V1&. The system could show another use
when you again try to delete after changing the hierarchy. You have to
delete all uses that are displayed. You can only delete &V1& after that.

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 UGMD052 - &1 is used in a hierarchy and cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message UGMD052 indicates that a specific object (such as a cost center, internal order, or other master data) is currently being used in a hierarchy and therefore cannot be deleted. This is a common issue when trying to manage master data in SAP, particularly in modules like Controlling (CO) or Financial Accounting (FI).
  Cause:
  The error occurs because the object you are trying to delete is linked to a hierarchy structure. Hierarchies are used to organize and categorize data, and if an object is part of a hierarchy, SAP prevents its deletion to maintain data integrity and avoid orphaned references.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify the Hierarchy: Determine which hierarchy the object is part of. You can do this by checking the hierarchy assignments in the relevant transaction (e.g., for cost centers, you might check the cost center hierarchy).
  
  
  Remove from Hierarchy: Once you identify the hierarchy, you need to remove the object from it. This can typically be done in the hierarchy maintenance transaction (e.g., using transaction code KSH1 for cost centers).
  
  
  Delete the Object: After successfully removing the object from the hierarchy, you should be able to delete it without encountering the UGMD052 error.
  
  
  Check for Other Dependencies: Ensure that the object is not being used in any other contexts or dependencies that might prevent deletion. This includes checking for assignments in other hierarchies or related master data.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for managing hierarchies and master data, such as KSH1 (Cost Center Hierarchy), OKEB (Order Hierarchy), or similar codes depending on the object type.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for detailed steps on managing hierarchies and master data.
  User Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to make changes to hierarchies and delete objects in SAP.
  
  If you continue to face issues after following these steps, consider consulting with your SAP administrator or support team for further assistance.