How To Fix WSUBST016 - Error while deleting the index stock transport order &1 &2 for article &3

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSUBST - Substitution Article Handling

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Error while deleting the index stock transport order &1 &2 for article &3

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSUBST016 - Error while deleting the index stock transport order &1 &2 for article &3 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WSUBST016 - Error while deleting the index stock transport order &1 &2 for article &3
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This error occurs during the deletion of an index related to a stock transport order (STO) for a specific article. The system tries to delete or update an index entry for a stock transport order but encounters an issue. The placeholders &1, &2, &3 represent:
  
  &1: Stock transport order number
  &2: Possibly the item or index number related to the STO
  &3: Article (material) number
  
  Common causes include:
  
  The index entry for the stock transport order and article does not exist or is already deleted.
  Database inconsistencies or locks preventing deletion.
  Authorization issues preventing the deletion of the index.
  The stock transport order is in a status that does not allow deletion or modification.
  Custom enhancements or user exits interfering with the deletion process.
  Technical issues such as missing or corrupted entries in related tables.
  
  
  Where does this error typically occur?
  
  During the processing of stock transport orders in modules like MM (Materials Management) or SD (Sales and Distribution).
  When deleting or changing STO-related data that involves index tables or custom indexing.
  Possibly during background jobs or batch processing that clean up or update STO indices.
  
  
  Solution / How to fix:
  
  
  Check the existence of the index entry:
  
  Verify if the index entry for the given stock transport order and article exists in the relevant database tables.
  Tables to check might include custom index tables or standard tables like LIPS (Delivery: Item data), VBAP (Sales document: Item data), or any custom indexing tables.
  
  
  
  Check the status of the stock transport order:
  
  Ensure the STO is not locked or in a status that prevents deletion.
  Use transaction ME23N or VA03 to check the STO status.
  
  
  
  Check for locks or database inconsistencies:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for locks on the relevant objects.
  Run database consistency checks if necessary.
  
  
  
  Authorization check:
  
  Verify that the user or process attempting the deletion has the necessary authorizations.
  
  
  
  Debugging / Logs:
  
  Check application logs (transaction SLG1) for more detailed error messages.
  If possible, debug the program or function module that triggers the deletion to identify the exact cause.
  
  
  
  Rebuild or reindex:
  
  If the index is corrupted, consider rebuilding or reindexing the affected data.
  This might require custom programs or SAP standard tools depending on the index type.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes / Support:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WSUBST016 or stock transport order index deletion errors.
  If no solution is found, raise a message with SAP Support including detailed logs and system info.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Stock Transport Orders (STO): Used to transfer stock between plants within the same company or between different company codes.
  Indexing in SAP: Indexes are used to speed up data retrieval. Errors in index maintenance can cause inconsistencies.
  Transactions to check STO:  
  
  ME21N / ME22N / ME23N (Purchase orders including STO)  
  VA01 / VA02 / VA03 (Sales orders including STO)  
  VL02N / VL03N (Delivery documents)  
  
  
  Common tables:  
  
  EKKO / EKPO (Purchase order header/item)  
  VBAP / VBAK (Sales order item/header)  
  LIPS / LIKP (Delivery item/header)  
  Custom index tables if implemented.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., transaction, process step, or custom developments involved), I can help tailor the solution further.