How To Fix VIP_MESSAGES020 - Product items or product family cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VIP_MESSAGES - Messages for VIP-ERP Communication

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Product items or product family cannot be deleted

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VIP_MESSAGES020 - Product items or product family cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message VIP_MESSAGES020 indicates that a product item or product family cannot be deleted. This error typically arises in the context of SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) or SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) when there are dependencies or references to the product or product family that prevent deletion.
  Causes:
  
  Active Dependencies: The product or product family may have active dependencies, such as planned orders, purchase orders, or sales orders that reference it.
  Master Data Relationships: There may be relationships with other master data objects (like BOMs, routings, or other product hierarchies) that prevent deletion.
  Data Locking: The product might be locked by another user or process, preventing changes.
  Configuration Settings: Certain configuration settings in the system may restrict the deletion of products or families.
  Historical Data: If historical data exists for the product, it may be protected from deletion to maintain data integrity.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Dependencies: Review any existing orders, forecasts, or planning data that reference the product. You may need to delete or archive these references before attempting to delete the product.
  Remove Relationships: If the product is linked to other master data (like BOMs or routings), you will need to remove these links first.
  Unlock the Product: Ensure that the product is not locked by another user or process. You can check for locks in transaction codes like SM12.
  Use Archiving: If deletion is not possible due to historical data, consider using the archiving functionality to remove the product from active use while retaining historical records.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator for specific configuration settings that may affect deletion.
  Error Logs: Check the system logs for more detailed error messages that may provide additional context on why the deletion is failing.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  MM02: Change Material Master
  MM06: Mark Material for Deletion
  MD04: Stock/Requirements List
  
  
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to VIP_MESSAGES020 for any known issues or patches.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to delete products or product families in the system.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further assistance.