How To Fix W4144 - &: & retention period not reached for master data

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 144

• Message text: &: & retention period not reached for master data

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4144 - &: & retention period not reached for master data ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation of the SAP error message W4144:
  
  SAP Message W4144: "&: & retention period not reached for master data"
  
  1. Cause
  This warning message occurs when you attempt to delete or change master data (such as vendor, customer, or material master data) before the legally or system-defined retention period has expired.
  
  Retention period is a mandatory period during which master data must be retained in the system for legal, audit, or business reasons.
  The system checks the retention period before allowing deletion or certain changes to master data.
  If the retention period is not yet reached, the system issues this warning to prevent premature deletion or modification.
  
  
  2. Solution
  
  Check the retention period settings: Verify the retention period defined for the master data in question. This is usually configured in the system based on legal or company policy requirements.
  Wait until retention period expires: If the retention period is still active, you must wait until it expires before deleting or changing the master data.
  Override or bypass (if allowed): In some cases, with proper authorization, you may override the warning or use special transactions to delete master data before the retention period ends. However, this should be done cautiously and in compliance with legal requirements.
  Adjust retention period (if applicable): If the retention period is incorrectly set or too long, consult with your legal or compliance team and adjust the retention period configuration accordingly.
  
  
  3. Related Information
  
  Retention period configuration: Retention periods are often maintained in customizing under the relevant module (e.g., FI, MM, SD) or via data archiving settings.
  Data Archiving: Sometimes, master data cannot be deleted until it has been archived. Archiving objects and retention periods are linked.
  Legal requirements: Retention periods are often driven by legal regulations (e.g., tax laws, audit requirements).
  Transaction codes: The warning may appear in transactions like:
  
  Vendor master data maintenance (e.g., XK02, XK06)
  Customer master data maintenance (e.g., XD02, FD02)
  Material master data maintenance (e.g., MM02)
  
  
  SAP Notes and documentation: Check SAP Notes for any updates or specific instructions related to message W4144.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Message
  W4144: "&: & retention period not reached for master data"
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to delete/change master data before retention period expires
  
  
  Solution
  Wait for retention period to expire, adjust retention period, or override with caution
  
  
  Related info
  Retention period settings, legal requirements, data archiving, relevant master data T-codes
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context or transaction where you encountered this message, I can help with more specific guidance.