How To Fix WY004 - Specify data retention levels

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WY - Supplier Master

• Message number: 004

• Message text: Specify data retention levels

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WY004 - Specify data retention levels ?

  SAP Error Message: WY004 - Specify data retention levels
  
  Cause:
  The error message WY004 occurs when the system requires you to specify data retention levels for certain data objects, but these retention levels have not been defined or maintained. This typically happens in the context of data archiving or data aging processes where the system needs to know how long certain data should be retained before it can be archived or deleted.
  In other words, the system expects you to define retention periods (levels) for data objects to comply with legal, business, or system requirements, but these settings are missing or incomplete.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During data archiving or data aging configuration.
  When executing archiving jobs or data retention-related transactions.
  While setting up or running data lifecycle management processes.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Define Data Retention Levels:
  
  Go to the relevant customizing transaction or IMG path where data retention levels are maintained.
  For example, in SAP S/4HANA or ECC, you might maintain retention levels in the Data Archiving or Data Aging customizing.
  Specify the retention periods (e.g., number of years, months) for the relevant data objects.
  
  
  
  Check Archiving Object Settings:
  
  Verify that the archiving object you are working with has retention levels defined.
  Use transaction SARA to check the archiving object and its settings.
  
  
  
  Maintain Retention Periods in IMG:
  
  Navigate to the Implementation Guide (IMG) path related to data archiving or data aging.
  For example:
  
  SPRO -> SAP NetWeaver -> Application Server -> Data Archiving -> Define Retention Periods
  Enter the required retention levels for the data objects.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP Notes or documentation related to the specific archiving object or data aging process you are working with.
  Sometimes, specific archiving objects require special retention level settings.
  
  
  
  Re-run the Process:
  
  After maintaining the retention levels, re-execute the archiving or data aging process.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction SARA: Central transaction for data archiving administration.
  Data Archiving: Process of moving data from the database to archive files to improve system performance.
  Data Aging: Process of moving older data to less expensive storage while keeping it accessible.
  Retention Period: The legally or business-mandated duration for which data must be kept before deletion or archiving.
  SAP Notes: Check for SAP Notes related to the archiving object or error message WY004 for any updates or patches.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Missing or undefined data retention levels for data archiving or aging.
  Solution: Define and maintain retention levels in customizing (IMG) or via transaction SARA.
  Result: System can proceed with archiving or aging processes without error.
  
  
  If you provide the specific archiving object or context, I can help with more detailed steps.