How To Fix WRF_CHAR_VAL072 - All characteristic values were deleted - header cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_CHAR_VAL - Messages for Package WRF_CHARACTERISTIC_VALUE_GRP

• Message number: 072

• Message text: All characteristic values were deleted - header cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

The characteristic is assigned to a material group hierarchy level, a
material group, or a characteristic profile - and is therefore already
used in transactional applications.
As a result, you cannot delete the characteristic value header, which
contains the type information for the characteristic.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_CHAR_VAL072 - All characteristic values were deleted - header cannot be deleted ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WRF_CHAR_VAL072 - All characteristic values were deleted - header cannot be deleted
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you attempt to delete a header (e.g., a classification object, batch, or document header) in SAP, but all the characteristic values assigned to that header have already been deleted. In SAP classification or variant configuration scenarios, the system expects that if all characteristic values are removed, the header itself should not be deleted directly because the system uses the characteristic values to maintain the integrity of the classification or configuration data.
  In other words, the system prevents deletion of the header when it detects that the characteristic values are missing or have been deleted, to avoid inconsistencies or orphaned data.
  
  When does this typically happen?
  
  When working with classification data (e.g., classes and characteristics).
  When deleting or changing batch characteristics or material classification.
  When handling variant configuration objects.
  When deleting headers in document management or quality management where characteristics are involved.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Characteristic Values:
  
  Verify if all characteristic values assigned to the header have been deleted.
  If characteristic values are missing but the header still exists, you need to either:
  
  Reassign the necessary characteristic values before deleting the header.
  Or delete the header along with its characteristic values in a consistent manner.
  
  
  
  
  
  Delete Characteristic Values Properly:
  
  Instead of deleting characteristic values first and then the header, delete the header which will cascade the deletion of characteristic values.
  Use the appropriate SAP transaction or program that handles deletion of both header and characteristic values together.
  
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction or Program:
  
  For classification data, use transactions like CL20N (Change Class), CL22 (Delete Class), or related transactions that handle characteristic values and headers properly.
  For batch characteristics, use MSC2N or MSC3N to check and delete batch characteristics properly.
  For variant configuration, use CUOBJ or related transactions.
  
  
  
  Check for Custom Code or User Exits:
  
  Sometimes custom code or user exits might interfere with deletion logic. Review any enhancements that might affect deletion of classification or characteristic data.
  
  
  
  Database Consistency:
  
  If the system is inconsistent (e.g., characteristic values deleted but header still exists), consider running consistency checks or contacting SAP support for database cleanup.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to classification and characteristic deletion issues.
  Transactions:
  
  CL20N - Change Class
  CL22 - Delete Class
  MSC2N - Change Batch
  CUOBJ - Configuration Object
  
  
  Tables:
  
  KLAH - Class Header
  KSSK - Characteristic Values
  INOB - Object Header
  
  
  Configuration and Classification Concepts:
  
  Understand how characteristics and classes are linked.
  Understand how deletion cascades in classification.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WRF_CHAR_VAL072 indicates that the system cannot delete a header because all characteristic values have already been deleted, which leads to an inconsistent state. The solution is to ensure characteristic values and headers are deleted in a consistent manner, preferably by deleting the header which will also delete the characteristic values, or by reassigning characteristic values before deletion.
  
  If you provide the exact context (e.g., transaction, object type), I can give more tailored advice.