How To Fix WSUBST022 - Error while deleting the items

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSUBST - Substitution Article Handling

• Message number: 022

• Message text: Error while deleting the items

What causes this issue?

An error occurred while the system was deleting the items in the
assignment table. There were problems during the database update.

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?

Try to delete the items again later.

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 WSUBST022 - Error while deleting the items ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WSUBST022 - Error while deleting the items
  
  Cause:
  The error message WSUBST022 typically occurs when there is an issue deleting items in a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) element or project structure in SAP Project System (PS). The common causes include:
  
  Dependencies or references exist: The WBS elements or items you are trying to delete are still referenced by other objects such as networks, activities, purchase orders, or settlements.
  Status restrictions: The WBS element or project might be in a status that does not allow deletion (e.g., released or technically complete).
  Open transactions: There might be open or incomplete transactions related to the WBS element, such as open confirmations, goods movements, or costs posted.
  Authorization issues: The user might not have sufficient authorization to delete the items.
  System inconsistencies: Data inconsistencies or database locks might prevent deletion.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WSUBST022 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check dependencies:
  
  Verify if the WBS elements or items are linked to other objects.
  Use transaction CJ20N (Project Builder) to check for linked networks, activities, or purchase orders.
  Remove or reassign dependent objects before deletion.
  
  
  
  Check status:
  
  Ensure the WBS element or project is in a status that allows deletion.
  Change the status to a modifiable one if necessary (e.g., from Released to Created).
  
  
  
  Clear open transactions:
  
  Confirm that there are no open confirmations, goods receipts, or cost postings.
  Settle or close any open transactions related to the WBS element.
  
  
  
  Authorization:
  
  Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to delete WBS elements.
  Check roles and authorizations in transaction SU53 or via security team.
  
  
  
  Use standard SAP deletion procedures:
  
  Use transaction CJ20N to delete WBS elements properly.
  Avoid direct database deletions or non-standard methods.
  
  
  
  Check for system locks or inconsistencies:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for locked entries.
  If inconsistencies are suspected, run consistency checks or contact SAP support.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CJ20N - Project Builder (for managing WBS elements)
  CN41 - Overview of WBS elements
  SM12 - Lock entries
  SU53 - Authorization check
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to WSUBST022 for any patches or known issues.
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Project System (PS) module documentation on WBS element lifecycle and deletion.
  
  
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Always ensure no active dependencies before deleting WBS elements.
  Perform deletions in a test environment first.
  Backup project data before deletion.
  
  
  
  
  If the problem persists after these checks, consider raising a support ticket with SAP, providing detailed logs and screenshots of the error and the project structure.