How To Fix W-077 - Selected hierarchy node is a header node: subhierarchy cannot be removed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W- -

• Message number: 077

• Message text: Selected hierarchy node is a header node: subhierarchy cannot be removed

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W-077 - Selected hierarchy node is a header node: subhierarchy cannot be removed ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  W-077 Selected hierarchy node is a header node: subhierarchy cannot be removed
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when you attempt to delete or remove a node from a hierarchy in SAP, but the selected node is a header node (also called a parent node or a node that has child nodes). In SAP hierarchies, header nodes serve as containers or grouping nodes for sub-nodes (child nodes). Because they have subordinate nodes, the system does not allow you to remove the entire subhierarchy by deleting the header node directly.
  
  Explanation:
  
  Header node: A node that has one or more child nodes beneath it.
  Subhierarchy: The entire branch of the hierarchy starting from a header node, including all its child nodes.
  When you try to delete a header node, SAP prevents this action because it would imply deleting the entire subhierarchy, which could lead to data inconsistencies or loss of important hierarchical structure.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the hierarchy structure:
  
  Identify the node you want to delete and verify if it has child nodes.
  
  
  Delete or move child nodes first:  
  
  If you want to remove the entire subhierarchy, you need to delete all child nodes under the header node first.
  Alternatively, you can move the child nodes to another part of the hierarchy if you want to preserve them.
  
  
  
  Delete the header node after child nodes are removed:
  
  Once the header node has no child nodes, you can delete it without triggering the warning.
  
  
  Use appropriate transaction or tool:
  
  Depending on the hierarchy type (e.g., cost center hierarchy, profit center hierarchy, material hierarchy), use the correct SAP transaction or hierarchy maintenance tool to manage nodes properly.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  This message is common in hierarchy maintenance transactions such as:
  
  Transaction code: KSH1 / KSH2 / KSH3 (Cost Center Hierarchy)
  Transaction code: KEU1 / KEU2 / KEU3 (Profit Center Hierarchy)
  Transaction code: MMH1 / MMH2 / MMH3 (Material Hierarchy)
  
  
  Always ensure that hierarchy changes do not violate organizational or reporting requirements.
  SAP hierarchy nodes are often linked to master data and controlling objects; improper deletion can affect reporting and planning.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempting to delete a header node that has child nodes (subhierarchy).
  
  
  Effect
  SAP prevents deletion to avoid removing entire subhierarchy unintentionally.
  
  
  Solution
  Delete or move all child nodes first, then delete the header node.
  
  
  Transactions
  KSH1/KSH2/KSH3, KEU1/KEU2/KEU3, MMH1/MMH2/MMH3 depending on hierarchy type.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific hierarchy type or transaction code you are working with, I can give more tailored instructions.