How To Fix WRF_CHAR_VAL096 - Characteristic value &1 cannot be deleted as used by variant articles

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_CHAR_VAL - Messages for Package WRF_CHARACTERISTIC_VALUE_GRP

• Message number: 096

• Message text: Characteristic value &1 cannot be deleted as used by variant articles

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_CHAR_VAL096 - Characteristic value &1 cannot be deleted as used by variant articles ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WRF_CHAR_VAL096
  
  Text: Characteristic value &1 cannot be deleted as used by variant articles.
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to delete a characteristic value that is currently assigned to one or more variant articles (material variants). In SAP Variant Configuration, characteristic values are used to define the variants of a configurable material. If a characteristic value is still referenced by any variant article, the system prevents its deletion to maintain data consistency and integrity.
  
  Explanation:
  
  Characteristic (Class): Defines a feature or attribute of a configurable material.
  Characteristic Value: Possible values that a characteristic can take.
  Variant Articles: Materials created as variants of a configurable material, differentiated by characteristic values.
  
  When a characteristic value is assigned to a variant article, it means that the variant article depends on that value to define its configuration. Deleting the characteristic value would break this link and cause inconsistencies in the material master and configuration data.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify Variant Articles Using the Characteristic Value:
  
  Use transaction MM03 (Display Material) or MM04 (Display Material Changes) to check which variant articles are assigned the characteristic value.
  Alternatively, use reports or queries to find all materials linked to the characteristic value.
  
  
  
  Remove or Change the Characteristic Value from Variant Articles:
  
  If possible, change the characteristic value assigned to the variant articles to a different value.
  If the variant articles are no longer needed, consider deleting the variant articles themselves.
  
  
  
  Delete the Characteristic Value:
  
  Once no variant articles reference the characteristic value, you can delete it using transaction CT04 (Change Characteristic) or CL20N (Change Characteristic Values).
  
  
  
  Check Dependencies:
  
  Ensure that no other objects (e.g., classification, BOMs, variant configuration dependencies) are using the characteristic value.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CT04: Change characteristic and characteristic values.
  MM03: Display material master.
  CL20N: Change characteristic values.
  CU50: Variant Configuration - Overview.
  
  
  
  Notes:
  
  Always perform such deletions in a test or development environment first.
  Backup relevant data before deletion.
  Deleting characteristic values that are in use can cause inconsistencies and errors in sales orders, production orders, and configuration processes.
  
  
  
  Related SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to variant configuration and characteristic value management for any known issues or patches.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Characteristic value is still assigned to one or more variant articles.
  Solution: Remove or reassign the characteristic value from all variant articles before deleting it.
  Related Info: Use transactions CT04, CL20N, MM03 to manage characteristics, values, and materials.
  
  
  If you need help identifying the variant articles or further assistance with variant configuration, feel free to ask!