How To Fix USMD2208 - Cannot delete entity &2 (entity type &1); contained in another hierarchy

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: USMD2 - Master Data: UI Modeling

• Message number: 208

• Message text: Cannot delete entity &2 (entity type &1); contained in another hierarchy

What causes this issue?

As a rule, entities can only be deleted if they are in only <ZH>one</>
hierarchy (as the end node). The entity &V2& of entity type &V1& is in
the hierarchy of entity type &V3& and in at least the hierarchy of
entity type &V4& as well. It therefore cannot be deleted.

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?

First remove all the places where entity &V2& of entity type &V1& is in
the hierarchy of entity type &V4&. You can then delete the entity.

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 USMD2208 - Cannot delete entity &2 (entity type &1); contained in another hierarchy ?

  The SAP error message USMD2208 indicates that you are trying to delete an entity (of a specific type) that is part of another hierarchy. This typically occurs in the context of Master Data Governance (MDG) when you attempt to delete a master data entity that is still referenced or linked to another entity in a hierarchy structure.
  Cause:
  The error arises because the entity you are trying to delete is still being used in a hierarchy. In SAP MDG, entities can be part of various hierarchies (e.g., organizational structures, product hierarchies, etc.), and the system prevents deletion to maintain data integrity. 
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify the Hierarchy: Determine which hierarchy the entity is part of. You can do this by checking the hierarchy structures in the relevant application or transaction.
  
  
  Remove References: Before you can delete the entity, you need to remove it from any hierarchies it is part of. This may involve:
  
  Editing the hierarchy to exclude the entity.
  Deleting or modifying the parent-child relationships that involve the entity.
  
  
  
  Check Dependencies: Ensure that there are no other dependencies or references to the entity in other parts of the system. This may include checking for links in other master data records.
  
  
  Delete the Entity: Once the entity is no longer part of any hierarchy and has no dependencies, you should be able to delete it without encountering the error.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the hierarchy structures or how to remove entities, refer to the SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator for guidance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use specific transaction codes related to Master Data Governance or the specific type of entity you are working with (e.g., BP for Business Partners, MM for Material Master).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might provide additional insights or solutions related to this error message.
  Data Integrity: Always ensure that any changes you make do not compromise the integrity of your master data. It’s a good practice to back up data or work in a test environment before making significant changes.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the USMD2208 error and successfully delete the entity in question.