How To Fix W4027 - &: & reference to a reference functional location exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 027

• Message text: &: & reference to a reference functional location exists

What causes this issue?

The material refers to a reference functional location.

How to fix this error?

Delete the reference.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4027 - &: & reference to a reference functional location exists ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message W4027:
  
  SAP Message W4027: "&: & reference to a reference functional location exists"
  
  1. Cause
  This warning message occurs when you try to perform an operation on a functional location (e.g., change or delete) that is referenced by another functional location as a reference functional location.
  In SAP Plant Maintenance (PM), functional locations can be linked hierarchically or by reference. A reference functional location means that one functional location points to another as a reference, often to reuse or link data.
  
  The message indicates that the functional location you are trying to modify or delete is currently being referenced by another functional location.
  This reference prevents certain changes or deletions to maintain data integrity and consistency.
  
  
  2. Solution
  To resolve or handle this warning, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check referencing functional locations:
  
  Identify which functional locations are referencing the one you want to change/delete.
  You can use transaction IL03 (Display Functional Location) and check the "Reference Functional Location" field or use reports to find references.
  
  
  
  Remove or update references:
  
  If you want to delete the functional location, first remove or update the reference in the other functional locations that point to it.
  If you want to change it, ensure that the changes do not violate the referencing logic or update the referencing locations accordingly.
  
  
  
  Use appropriate transactions:
  
  Use IL02 (Change Functional Location) to update references.
  Use IL05 (Delete Functional Location) only after references are removed.
  
  
  
  Consult with your PM team:
  
  Since functional locations are part of the equipment hierarchy and maintenance structure, coordinate with your maintenance planners or engineers before making changes.
  
  
  
  
  3. Related Information
  
  
  Functional Location Reference:
  
  Functional locations can have a "Reference Functional Location" field that points to another functional location.
  This is used to model complex equipment structures or reuse location data.
  
  
  
  Impact on Master Data:
  
  Changes to referenced functional locations can impact maintenance orders, notifications, and equipment linked to these locations.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to functional location management for any known issues or updates.
  SAP Help Portal: Search for "Functional Location Reference" and "Functional Location Hierarchy" for detailed documentation.
  
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  IL01 - Create Functional Location
  IL02 - Change Functional Location
  IL03 - Display Functional Location
  IL05 - Delete Functional Location
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Functional location is referenced by another functional location as a reference location.
  
  
  Solution
  Identify and remove/update references before changing or deleting the functional location.
  
  
  Related
  Functional location hierarchy, reference fields, transactions IL01/IL02/IL03/IL05, SAP Notes.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context (e.g., transaction, operation), I can help with more specific instructions.