How To Fix 15016 - Deadlock during update

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 15 - Update message

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Deadlock during update

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 15016 - Deadlock during update ?

  The SAP error message 15016, which indicates a "Deadlock during update," occurs when two or more database transactions are waiting for each other to release locks on resources, leading to a situation where none of the transactions can proceed. This typically happens in a multi-user environment where concurrent updates are being made to the same data.
  Causes of Deadlock
  
  Concurrent Updates: Multiple users or processes are trying to update the same records simultaneously.
  Locking Mechanisms: The database uses locks to maintain data integrity, and if two transactions hold locks that the other needs, a deadlock occurs.
  Long-Running Transactions: Transactions that take a long time to complete can increase the likelihood of deadlocks.
  Poorly Designed Database Transactions: Inefficient transaction design, such as not releasing locks promptly or not following a consistent locking order, can lead to deadlocks.
  
  Solutions to Resolve Deadlocks
  
  
  Transaction Management:
  
  Reduce Transaction Scope: Keep transactions as short as possible to minimize the time locks are held.
  Commit or Rollback: Ensure that transactions are committed or rolled back promptly to release locks.
  
  
  
  Locking Strategy:
  
  Consistent Locking Order: Ensure that all transactions acquire locks in a consistent order to prevent circular wait conditions.
  Use of Lock Timeouts: Implement lock timeouts to avoid waiting indefinitely for a lock.
  
  
  
  Database Configuration:
  
  Increase Lock Wait Timeout: Adjust the database configuration to allow longer wait times for locks, but this is more of a workaround than a solution.
  Optimize Database Performance: Ensure that the database is optimized for performance to reduce the likelihood of deadlocks.
  
  
  
  Application Logic:
  
  Review Application Code: Analyze the application logic to identify and eliminate unnecessary locking or long-running transactions.
  Implement Retry Logic: If a deadlock occurs, implement logic to retry the transaction after a short delay.
  
  
  
  Monitoring and Analysis:
  
  Deadlock Analysis Tools: Use database monitoring tools to analyze deadlocks and identify the transactions involved.
  SAP Transaction ST22: Check the dump analysis in SAP using transaction ST22 to get more details about the deadlock situation.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to deadlocks for specific recommendations and patches that may address known issues.
  Database Documentation: Refer to the documentation of the underlying database (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server, HANA) for specific deadlock handling and optimization techniques.
  Performance Tuning: Regularly perform performance tuning on the database and application to minimize the chances of deadlocks.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing best practices for transaction management and locking strategies, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of deadlocks in your SAP environment.