How To Fix W4091 - &: & dependent batch records exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 091

• Message text: &: & dependent batch records exist

What causes this issue?

You are attempting to delete a material for which dependent batch
records still exist.

System Response

The system cannot delete the material.

How to fix this error?

Delete the dependent batch records by carrying out a special stock
reorganization.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4091 - &: & dependent batch records exist ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W4091 & : & dependent batch records exist
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This warning message typically occurs when you attempt to delete or change a material batch, but there are dependent records linked to that batch in the system. These dependent records could be related documents, stock postings, quality inspection lots, reservations, or other transactional data that reference the batch.
  In other words, the system prevents you from deleting or modifying the batch because it is still referenced elsewhere, ensuring data consistency and integrity.
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  Trying to delete a batch that has stock postings or inventory movements.
  Attempting to change batch master data when batch is linked to open reservations or production orders.
  Deleting a batch that is referenced in quality inspection lots or inspection results.
  Batch is linked to sales or purchase documents.
  
  
  Solution / How to Resolve:
  
  
  Identify Dependent Records:
  
  Use transaction codes like MSC3N (Display Batch) to check batch details.
  Use MB51 (Material Document List) or MB52 (List of Warehouse Stocks on Hand) to find material documents referencing the batch.
  Check for open reservations (transaction MB25).
  Check for quality inspection lots (transaction QA33).
  Check production orders or process orders referencing the batch.
  
  
  
  Remove or Close Dependent Records:
  
  If possible, delete or close the dependent documents or transactions.
  For example, clear stock, cancel reservations, or complete quality inspections.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction for Batch Deletion:
  
  Batch deletion is usually done via MSC2N (Change Batch) or MSC1N (Create Batch).
  For batch deletion, use MSC2N and select the batch, then use the "Delete" function if available.
  Alternatively, use transaction MM06 (Flag Material for Deletion) if you want to delete the material and its batches.
  
  
  
  Archiving:
  
  If deletion is not possible due to historical data, consider archiving the batch data using SAP Archive Management.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes / Support:
  
  If the issue persists, check SAP Notes for any known bugs or patches related to batch deletion.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  This is a warning message (W), not an error, so the system is cautioning you about existing dependencies.
  Always ensure that deleting or modifying batch data does not violate business or audit requirements.
  Batch management is critical in industries like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and food & beverage, where traceability is mandatory.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to delete/change a batch that has dependent records (stock, reservations, etc.)
  
  
  Effect
  System issues warning W4091 to prevent inconsistent data changes
  
  
  Solution
  Identify and remove/close dependent records before deleting/modifying the batch
  
  
  Transactions
  MSC2N, MSC3N, MB51, MB25, QA33, MM06
  
  
  Notes
  Consider archiving if deletion is not feasible; check SAP Notes for specific issues
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context or transaction where this message appears, I can help with more tailored steps.