How To Fix WU521 - You can only delete all variants using generic article &, sales unit &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WU - Promotion management messages

• Message number: 521

• Message text: You can only delete all variants using generic article &, sales unit &

What causes this issue?

You want to delete all the variants for a generic material. However,
the generic material itself is not flagged for deletion.

System Response

A generic material can only be included in a promotion if at least one
of its variants is included.

How to fix this error?

Select the generic material as well and then delete.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WU521 - You can only delete all variants using generic article &, sales unit & ?

  The SAP error message WU521 indicates that you are trying to delete specific variants of a generic article in the system, but the system only allows the deletion of all variants at once. This error typically arises in the context of managing variants of products in SAP, particularly in the SAP Retail or SAP S/4HANA environments.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because the system is designed to prevent the deletion of individual variants of a generic article. Instead, it requires that all variants associated with that generic article be deleted simultaneously. This is a safeguard to maintain data integrity and ensure that the relationships between the generic article and its variants are preserved.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to delete all variants of the generic article at once. Here are the steps you can follow:
  
  
  Identify the Generic Article: Make sure you have the correct generic article number and its associated variants.
  
  
  Use the Correct Transaction: Navigate to the appropriate transaction in SAP that allows you to manage variants. This could be through transaction codes like MM02 (Change Material) or MM03 (Display Material), depending on your specific needs.
  
  
  Delete All Variants:
  
  In the transaction, select the option to delete all variants.
  Confirm the deletion when prompted.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies: Before deleting, ensure that there are no dependencies or active transactions related to the variants you are trying to delete. This may include open sales orders, stock levels, or other related documents.
  
  
  Execute the Deletion: Once you have confirmed that it is safe to delete, proceed with the deletion of all variants.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Integrity: Deleting all variants at once helps maintain data integrity within the system, ensuring that there are no orphaned records or inconsistencies.
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to delete variants in the system. If you do not have the required access, you may need to contact your SAP administrator.
  Backup: It is always a good practice to back up data or ensure that you have a recovery plan before performing bulk deletions in SAP.
  
  If you continue to experience issues or if the error persists after following these steps, consider consulting your SAP support team or referring to SAP documentation for further assistance.