Use of existing Characteristic

Hi Friends,

Instead of adding a new characteristic which brings in the complexity of deactivating the Planning area,etc, I have 2 characteristics which are not used for business requirements.

So can I use these two characteristics replacing with two new characteristics that am planning to add. If so what would be the steps that I need to perform. As far as I know it would call for the same process that we need to adopt as like adding a new characteristic.

Request your helpful answers. Thanks.

Regards

Bala