How To Fix WER072 - Item field &1(&2) cannot be edited as it is still in use

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WER - Messages for the package WER

• Message number: 072

• Message text: Item field &1(&2) cannot be edited as it is still in use

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 WER072 - Item field &1(&2) cannot be edited as it is still in use ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WER072 - Item field &1(&2) cannot be edited as it is still in use
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to edit a field in a document item that is currently being referenced or used in another process or transaction. The system prevents changes to ensure data consistency and integrity because the item is "locked" or "in use" by another object or process.
  Common scenarios include:  
  
  The item is part of a workflow or approval process that is not yet completed.  
  The item is referenced in another document (e.g., delivery, invoice, or purchase order).  
  The item is locked due to a background job or batch process running on it.  
  The item is part of a status or condition that restricts editing (e.g., goods movement already posted).
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Document Status:
  
  Verify if the document or item is in a status that allows editing. For example, if the document is already posted or approved, you may need to reverse or cancel the document before making changes.
  
  
  Check References:
  
  Identify if the item is referenced in other documents or processes. Use transaction codes like:  
  
  MB51 (Material Document List)  
  VA03 (Display Sales Order)  
  ME23N (Display Purchase Order)  
  VF03 (Display Billing Document)
  
  to check related documents.
  
  
  
  Unlock the Item:
  
  If the item is locked by a background job or user session, wait for the process to complete or ask the responsible user to release the lock.
  
  
  Cancel or Reverse Dependent Documents:
  
  If the item is referenced in dependent documents (e.g., delivery or invoice), you may need to cancel or reverse those documents before editing the original item.
  
  
  Consult Workflow or Approval:
  
  If the item is part of a workflow, check the workflow status and complete or cancel the workflow step.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support or Basis Team:
  
  If the lock or usage is unclear, the SAP Basis team can check for locks using transaction SM12 (Lock Entries) and release them if appropriate.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  SM12 - Display and delete lock entries  
  MB51 - Material Document List  
  VA03 - Display Sales Order  
  ME23N - Display Purchase Order  
  VF03 - Display Billing Document
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to message WER072 for specific module-related issues.
  
  
  Modules Affected:
  
  This message can appear in various modules such as MM (Materials Management), SD (Sales and Distribution), FI (Financial Accounting), depending on the document type.
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or module context, I can help with more specific troubleshooting steps.