How To Fix UGMD053 - &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: 053

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

What causes this issue?

*** similar to UGMD052 ***
&V1& is used in hierarchy &V2& in hierarchy version &V3&. Therefore you
are <ZH>not</> allowed to delete &V1&. 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&, you first have to change the hierarchy so
that &V1& is no longer in use.
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. Only then can you delete &V1&.

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 UGMD053 - &1 is used in a hierarchy and cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message UGMD053 indicates that a specific object (like a cost center, profit center, 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, it cannot be deleted until it is removed from that hierarchy.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to 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 in the cost center hierarchy).
  
  
  Remove from Hierarchy:
  
  Navigate to the hierarchy management transaction (e.g., KSH1 for cost center hierarchy).
  Find the specific hierarchy where the object is used.
  Remove the object from the hierarchy. This may involve editing the hierarchy structure and deleting the reference to the object.
  
  
  
  Delete the Object: Once the object has been removed from all hierarchies, you can proceed to delete it using the appropriate transaction (e.g., KS02 for cost centers).
  
  
  Check for Other Dependencies: Ensure that the object is not being used in any other places (like reports, allocations, etc.) that might prevent deletion.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for managing hierarchies and master data, such as:
  
  KSH1 - Create Cost Center Hierarchy
  KSH2 - Change Cost Center Hierarchy
  KSH3 - Display Cost Center Hierarchy
  KS01 - Create Cost Center
  KS02 - Change Cost Center
  KS03 - Display Cost Center
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed guidance on managing hierarchies and master data.
  
  
  Authorization: Ensure you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to hierarchies and master data.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the UGMD053 error and successfully delete the object in question.