How To Fix 00856 - Heap memory: High-water mark since startup

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 00 -

• Message number: 856

• Message text: Heap memory: High-water mark since startup

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 00856 - Heap memory: High-water mark since startup ?

  The SAP error message "00856 Heap memory: High-water mark since startup" indicates that the heap memory usage of the SAP system has reached a high-water mark, which is a threshold that can signal potential memory issues. This message is typically related to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) memory management in SAP systems that run on the Java stack.
  Cause:
  
  
  High Memory Usage: The system has been using a significant amount of heap memory since it started. This can be due to various factors, including:
  
  Inefficient coding or memory leaks in custom applications or add-ons.
  High load on the system, leading to increased memory consumption.
  Large data processing tasks that require substantial memory.
  Insufficient heap memory allocation for the JVM.
  
  
  
  Configuration Issues: The JVM parameters may not be optimally configured for the workload, leading to excessive memory usage.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Monitor Memory Usage: Use tools like the SAP Management Console (SAP MC) or Java Monitoring tools to monitor the heap memory usage and identify trends or spikes.
  
  
  Analyze Heap Dumps: If the high memory usage persists, consider taking a heap dump to analyze memory consumption. This can help identify memory leaks or objects that are consuming excessive memory.
  
  
  Adjust JVM Parameters: Review and adjust the JVM parameters related to heap memory allocation. Common parameters include:
  
  -Xms (initial heap size)
  -Xmx (maximum heap size)
  -XX:MaxPermSize (for older Java versions, related to permanent generation space)
  
  Ensure that the maximum heap size is set appropriately based on the available system resources and expected workload.
  
  
  Optimize Code: If custom applications are identified as the cause of high memory usage, consider optimizing the code to reduce memory consumption. This may involve:
  
  Refactoring inefficient algorithms.
  Reducing the number of objects created.
  Implementing proper garbage collection practices.
  
  
  
  Increase System Resources: If the workload has increased significantly, consider scaling up the system resources (CPU, memory) to accommodate the demand.
  
  
  Regular Maintenance: Implement regular maintenance tasks, such as clearing caches and optimizing database performance, to help manage memory usage effectively.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for relevant SAP Notes that may provide specific guidance or patches related to memory management issues.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on JVM tuning and memory management best practices.
  Performance Monitoring: Regularly monitor system performance and memory usage to proactively address potential issues before they escalate.
  
  By following these steps, you can address the "00856 Heap memory: High-water mark since startup" error and improve the overall performance and stability of your SAP system.