How To Fix WOD1035 - Generic article >&1< cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WOD1 - Messages for Function Group WOD1

• Message number: 035

• Message text: Generic article >&1< cannot be deleted

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WOD1035 - Generic article >&1< cannot be deleted ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message: WOD1035 - Generic article >&1< cannot be deleted
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you attempt to delete a generic article (a material master record defined as a generic article in SAP) that is currently in use or referenced in other objects or processes within the system. Generic articles are often used as templates or placeholders in variant configuration or sales processes, and SAP restricts their deletion to maintain data integrity.
  Common reasons why the generic article cannot be deleted include:
  
  The generic article is assigned to a material variant or is part of a variant configuration.
  It is referenced in sales documents, bills of materials (BOMs), or production orders.
  It is linked to classification data or characteristics.
  It is used in pricing conditions or customer-specific settings.
  The article is flagged as a generic article in the system and deletion is restricted by design.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error and delete the generic article, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check References:
  
  Use transaction MM03 (Display Material) to review the material master data.
  Use CS15 (Where-used list for BOM) to check if the article is part of any BOM.
  Use CU03 (Display Characteristic) and CU50 (Where-used list for characteristics) to check variant configuration references.
  Check sales documents or open orders referencing the article.
  Use MMBE or MB52 to check stock or inventory status.
  
  
  
  Remove Dependencies:
  
  Delete or reassign any dependent objects referencing the generic article.
  Remove the article from BOMs, variant configurations, sales documents, or pricing conditions.
  Ensure no open transactions or stock exist for the article.
  
  
  
  Change Article Type (if applicable):
  
  If the article is flagged as a generic article, consider changing its material type or generic article flag if deletion is necessary and appropriate.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Deletion Procedure:
  
  Use transaction MM06 (Flag Material for Deletion) to mark the article for deletion.
  After all dependencies are cleared and the article is flagged, use MM17 or background jobs to delete the material master record physically.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes or OSS messages for any known issues or patches related to generic article deletion.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Generic Articles in SAP: Generic articles are used in variant configuration to represent a family of products with different characteristics. They serve as templates and are not meant to be deleted casually.
  Variant Configuration: Deleting generic articles without removing variant configuration references can cause inconsistencies.
  Material Master Deletion: SAP requires that all dependencies be removed before a material can be deleted.
  Transactions:
  
  MM03 - Display Material
  MM06 - Flag Material for Deletion
  CS15 - Where-used list for BOM
  CU03 / CU50 - Variant Configuration Characteristics and Where-used
  MMBE / MB52 - Stock Overview
  MM17 - Mass Material Master Changes
  
  
  
  
  If after removing all references and dependencies the error persists, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis or Development team to check for custom enhancements or database inconsistencies.
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Generic article is referenced in other objects/processes and cannot be deleted directly.
  
  
  Solution
  Identify and remove all references, flag for deletion, then delete using standard SAP transactions.
  
  
  Related
  Variant configuration, BOMs, sales documents, material master deletion procedures.
  
  
  
  
  If you need further assistance, please provide the material number and context of deletion attempt.