How To Fix W4104 - &: & tied empties stock exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 104

• Message text: &: & tied empties stock exists

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?

Reduce the tied empties stock for the material to zero. 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 W4104 - &: & tied empties stock exists ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  W4104 & : & tied empties stock exists
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This warning message typically occurs in the context of handling empties (returnable packaging materials) in SAP, especially in the Sales and Distribution (SD) or Warehouse Management (WM) modules.
  
  "Tied empties stock exists" means that there is still stock of returnable packaging materials (empties) that are linked or reserved (tied) to a particular business transaction or customer.
  The system is warning you that you cannot proceed with certain operations (like goods issue, delivery, or stock transfer) because the empties stock is still tied or allocated.
  This usually happens when you try to clear or move stock but the system detects that some empties are still assigned to a customer or a sales order and have not been returned or processed properly.
  
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  You are trying to post a goods issue or delivery for a sales order, but the system finds that the empties stock related to that order or customer is still open.
  Attempting to clear or delete a document or transaction where empties stock is still tied.
  Trying to transfer or adjust stock without first handling the tied empties.
  
  
  Solution / How to Resolve:
  
  
  Check the tied empties stock:
  
  Use transaction codes like MB52 (List Warehouse Stocks on Hand) or MMBE (Stock Overview) to check the stock of empties.
  Identify the stock that is tied to the customer or sales order.
  
  
  
  Process the tied empties:
  
  Ensure that the returnable packaging materials (empties) are returned or properly processed.
  Post the return delivery or goods receipt for the empties.
  Clear any open deliveries or reservations related to the empties.
  
  
  
  Release or unlink the tied empties:
  
  If the empties are incorrectly tied, investigate the business process or master data to unlink or release the stock.
  This might involve correcting the sales order, delivery, or stock assignment.
  
  
  
  Consult with logistics or warehouse team:
  
  Sometimes physical stock and system stock are not aligned. Confirm the physical return of empties.
  Adjust stock if necessary via stock adjustments or transfer postings.
  
  
  
  Check configuration:
  
  In some cases, the handling of empties is controlled by specific customizing settings in SD or WM.
  Verify the settings for returnable packaging materials in SPRO under Sales and Distribution ? Basic Functions ? Returnable Packaging.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Returnable Packaging (Empties) in SAP:
  
  SAP supports the management of returnable packaging materials as separate stock types. These are often managed with special stock indicators and require specific handling in sales and warehouse processes.
  
  
  Transactions to manage empties:  
  
  VL01N / VL02N - Create/Change Delivery (handling empties in delivery documents)  
  MB1B / MIGO - Stock transfer or goods movement for empties  
  MBRL - Return delivery for empties  
  MMBE / MB52 - Stock overview and stock list
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to returnable packaging and tied empties stock for your specific SAP version.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Empties stock is still tied (reserved/allocated) to a customer or transaction.
  
  
  Effect
  System prevents certain stock movements or document processing.
  
  
  Solution
  Identify and process the tied empties stock (return, clear, or unlink).
  
  
  Tools
  MB52, MMBE, VL02N, MIGO, MB1B, MBRL
  
  
  Related Areas
  Returnable packaging management, sales order processing, warehouse stock management.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or process where this error occurs, I can give more tailored advice.