How To Fix WB2B168 - Deletion not possible as follow-on documents exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WB2B - Trading Contract

• Message number: 168

• Message text: Deletion not possible as follow-on documents exist

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WB2B168 - Deletion not possible as follow-on documents exist ?

  The SAP error message WB2B168, which states "Deletion not possible as follow-on documents exist," typically occurs when you attempt to delete a document (such as a purchase order, sales order, or other transactional documents) that has related follow-on documents. Follow-on documents are those that are created as a result of the original document, such as invoices, delivery notes, or other related transactions.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the document you are trying to delete has dependent documents that reference it. For example:
  
  A purchase order may have associated goods receipts or invoices.
  A sales order may have delivery documents or billing documents linked to it.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to identify and handle the follow-on documents that are preventing the deletion. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Identify Follow-On Documents:
  
  Use transaction codes like ME23N (for purchase orders) or VA03 (for sales orders) to view the document and check for any related documents.
  You can also use the document flow feature (often accessible via a button or menu option) to see all documents linked to the original document.
  
  
  
  Delete or Reverse Follow-On Documents:
  
  If the follow-on documents are no longer needed, you may need to delete or reverse them first. This could involve:
  
  Canceling or deleting invoices.
  Reversing goods receipts.
  Deleting delivery documents.
  
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform these actions.
  
  
  
  Check for Other Dependencies:
  
  Sometimes, there may be other dependencies or settings that prevent deletion. Check for any customizations or business rules that might be in place.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator:
  
  If you are unsure about how to proceed or if you do not have the necessary permissions, consult with your SAP administrator or support team. They can provide guidance and assistance in resolving the issue.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes for Deletion:
  
  If you are sure that all follow-on documents have been handled, you can attempt to delete the original document using the appropriate transaction code (e.g., ME22N for purchase orders).
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for more detailed information on document management and deletion processes.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to this error message.
  Training: Consider training or resources on document management in SAP to better understand how to handle such situations in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the WB2B168 error and successfully delete the document if it is appropriate to do so.