How To Fix W4097 - &: & dependent batch records exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 097

• Message text: &: & dependent batch records exist

What causes this issue?

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

First archive the dependent batch records for the material. You can
then archive the material itself.

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 W4097 - &: & dependent batch records exist ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W4097 & : & dependent batch records exist
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This warning message typically appears when you attempt to delete or change a batch record in SAP, but there are dependent records linked to this batch. These dependent records could be material documents, batch stocks, batch classification data, or other transactional data that reference the batch.
  In other words, the system prevents you from deleting or modifying a batch because it is still in use or referenced elsewhere, ensuring data consistency and integrity.
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  Trying to delete a batch that has stock in inventory.
  Attempting to delete a batch that is referenced in material documents (goods movements, reservations, etc.).
  Modifying batch master data when dependent classification or inspection lot records exist.
  Deleting a batch that is linked to quality management records or production orders.
  
  
  Solution / How to Resolve:
  
  
  Check Dependent Records:
  
  Use transaction MSC3N (Display Batch) to review batch details.
  Check stock using MMBE (Stock Overview) to see if the batch has stock.
  Check material documents with MB51 or MB03 to find documents referencing the batch.
  Check inspection lots or QM data if applicable.
  
  
  
  Remove or Clear Dependencies:
  
  If stock exists, you must first consume, transfer, or block the stock before deleting the batch.
  If material documents exist, you cannot delete the batch unless those documents are reversed or archived according to business rules.
  For classification or QM data, delete or adjust dependent records if business processes allow.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction for Deletion:
  
  Batch deletion is usually done via MSC2N (Change Batch) or specific batch deletion programs.
  Sometimes, batch deletion is only possible after stock is zero and no dependent documents exist.
  
  
  
  Consult Business Process:
  
  Confirm with business users whether the batch should be deleted or just blocked.
  Often, batches are blocked or flagged for deletion rather than physically deleted to maintain audit trails.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  This is a warning message (W), not an error, so the system alerts you but may allow you to continue depending on the context.
  The message text usually includes parameters indicating the batch number and the type of dependent record.
  Batch management is tightly integrated with inventory, production, and quality management modules, so dependencies are common.
  Always ensure compliance with company policies and audit requirements before deleting batch data.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to delete/change a batch that has dependent records (stock, documents, QM data).
  
  
  Solution
  Identify and remove or clear dependent records; ensure batch stock is zero; use correct transactions.
  
  
  Related Tcodes
  MSC2N, MSC3N, MMBE, MB51, MB03
  
  
  Notes
  Usually a warning; deletion may be restricted by business rules and audit requirements.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or scenario where this message appears, I can give more tailored advice.