How To Fix W4081 - &: & Variants exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 081

• Message text: &: & Variants exist

What causes this issue?

Variants are still assigned to the material.

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 archive the variants. You can then archive the material.

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 W4081 - &: & Variants exist ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W4081 &: & Variants exist
  
  1. Cause of the Error
  This warning message typically appears when you are trying to delete or modify an object (such as a report, program, or transaction) that has one or more variants associated with it.
  
  Variants in SAP are saved sets of input values for reports or transactions, allowing users to execute them with predefined parameters.
  The system detects that variants exist for the object you are working on, and it warns you because deleting or changing the object might affect these variants.
  
  
  2. Meaning of the Message Variables
  
  The first & usually represents the object type or name (e.g., report or program).
  The second & represents the specific object or variant name.
  
  For example:
  
  W4081 Report: ZSALES_REPORT Variants exist
  
  3. When Does This Occur?
  
  When deleting a program or report that has variants saved.
  When changing the attributes of a program/report that might invalidate existing variants.
  When transporting objects with variants.
  When cleaning up or maintaining variants.
  
  
  4. Solution / How to Handle
  
  Check existing variants: Use transaction SE38 or SA38 to check variants for the program/report.
  
  Go to SE38 ? enter program name ? choose "Variants" ? list existing variants.
  
  
  Delete or adjust variants if necessary:
  
  If you want to delete the program/report, first delete the variants associated with it.
  Use transaction SE38 ? "Variants" ? select and delete unwanted variants.
  
  
  Inform users: If variants are used by others, inform them before deleting or changing the object.
  Transport variants carefully: If transporting, ensure variants are included or handled properly.
  If you want to keep variants: Avoid deleting or changing the object in a way that invalidates variants.
  
  
  5. Related Transactions and Tools
  
  SE38 – ABAP Editor (manage programs and variants)
  SA38 – Execute program (also manage variants)
  SE93 – Transaction code maintenance (sometimes variants are linked to transactions)
  SHD0 – Transaction variant maintenance (different from report variants)
  SE01 / SE10 – Transport Organizer (to check if variants are included in transports)
  
  
  6. Additional Notes
  
  Variants are stored in table VARID and VARI in the SAP database.
  Deleting variants is generally safe if they are no longer needed, but be cautious if variants are used in batch jobs or scheduled tasks.
  This message is a warning (W), not an error, so it does not necessarily block the action but advises caution.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Variants exist for the object you want to delete or modify.
  
  
  Effect
  Warning that deleting/modifying may affect existing variants.
  
  
  Solution
  Check and delete or adjust variants before proceeding; inform users if needed.
  
  
  Transactions
  SE38, SA38, SE93, SHD0, SE01/SE10
  
  
  Notes
  Variants are stored in VARID/VARI tables; warning does not block action but advises caution.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with a specific object or variant, please provide the object name or context for more detailed guidance.