How To Fix WO169 - Unable to delete. Exception &1 is still being used

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WO - WF: Messages for Workflow Wizards

• Message number: 169

• Message text: Unable to delete. Exception &1 is still being used

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WO169 - Unable to delete. Exception &1 is still being used ?

  The SAP error message WO169 "Unable to delete. Exception &1 is still being used" typically occurs when you attempt to delete a work order or a related object that is still in use or has dependencies that prevent its deletion. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when there are open operations, assigned resources, or linked documents that are still active.
  Cause:
  
  Open Operations: The work order may have operations that are still open or not fully completed.
  Assigned Resources: Resources (like labor or equipment) may still be assigned to the work order.
  Linked Documents: There may be documents (like purchase orders, notifications, etc.) that are linked to the work order.
  Status Restrictions: The work order may be in a status that does not allow deletion (e.g., completed, closed).
  Dependencies: Other objects or transactions may depend on the work order, preventing its deletion.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Open Operations:
  
  Go to the work order and check if there are any open operations. If there are, you may need to complete or delete them first.
  
  
  
  Review Assigned Resources:
  
  Check if there are any resources assigned to the work order. If so, unassign them before attempting to delete the work order.
  
  
  
  Inspect Linked Documents:
  
  Look for any linked documents (like notifications, purchase orders, etc.) that may be associated with the work order. You may need to delete or unlink these documents.
  
  
  
  Change Status:
  
  If the work order is in a status that does not allow deletion, consider changing its status to a more appropriate one (like "Technically Completed") before attempting to delete it.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  Use transaction codes like IW32 (Change Work Order) to review the details of the work order and identify any dependencies.
  
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator:
  
  If you are unable to identify the cause or resolve the issue, consult with your SAP administrator or support team for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as IW31 (Create Work Order), IW32 (Change Work Order), IW33 (Display Work Order), and IW28 (Collective Processing of Orders).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for work order management to understand the lifecycle and dependencies of work orders.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the WO169 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.