How To Fix W4502 - &: & not deleted: Material is default material with regard to validity

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W4 - Messages for material discontinuation

• Message number: 502

• Message text: &: & not deleted: Material is default material with regard to validity

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W4502 - &: & not deleted: Material is default material with regard to validity ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  W4502 & : & not deleted: Material is default material with regard to validity
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This warning message occurs when you try to delete a material from a certain context (e.g., a material group, a classification, or a reference) but the system prevents the deletion because the material is set as a default material for a particular validity period or organizational assignment.
  In other words, the material you are trying to delete is currently assigned as a default material in some configuration or master data setting, and the system does not allow deleting it while it holds this status.
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  The material is assigned as a default material in a material group or material type.
  The material is set as a default in validity periods (date ranges).
  The material is referenced as a default in classifications or configurations.
  The material is used as a default in plant-specific settings or sales organization data.
  
  
  Solution / How to Resolve:
  
  
  Check Default Assignments:
  
  Identify where the material is set as a default.
  Use transaction codes like:
  
  MM02 (Change Material) to check material master data.
  SPRO to check configuration settings.
  CL20N or CL30N to check classification data.
  Custom tables or reports if applicable.
  
  
  
  
  
  Remove or Change Default Material Assignment:
  
  Change the default material assignment to another material or remove the default assignment.
  Ensure that the validity period for the default assignment is adjusted or deleted if no longer needed.
  
  
  
  Delete the Material:
  
  After removing the default assignment, try deleting the material again.
  
  
  
  Check Validity Periods:
  
  Make sure that the validity period for the default assignment does not overlap with the deletion date or current date.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  This message is a warning (W), so sometimes the system may allow you to continue with caution, but in many cases, the deletion is blocked.
  The message text usually contains placeholders (&) which are replaced by the material number and the object or context where it is default.
  Always ensure that removing a default material does not impact business processes or master data consistency.
  
  
  Example:
  If you try to delete material MAT123 which is set as the default material for a material group GRP01 valid from 01.01.2024 to 31.12.2024, the system will issue this warning and prevent deletion until you remove or change the default assignment.
  
  If you provide the exact context or transaction where this error occurs, I can help you with more specific steps.