How To Fix 15038 - External COMMIT expected

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 15 - Update message

• Message number: 038

• Message text: External COMMIT expected

What causes this issue?

This update belongs to a transaction administered by an external
transaction monitor (e.g. Microsoft Transaction Server). The update can
only be processed if the relevant command comes from the monitor. If it
does not, data inconsistencies would result.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 15038 - External COMMIT expected ?

  The SAP error message "15038 External COMMIT expected" typically occurs in the context of SAP's integration with external systems, particularly when using the SAP Business Connector or when dealing with external RFC (Remote Function Call) calls. This error indicates that the system expected a COMMIT statement from the external system but did not receive it.
  Cause:
  
  Missing COMMIT: The external system that is supposed to send a COMMIT command after a transaction has not done so. This can happen if the external application fails to execute the COMMIT or if there is a communication issue.
  Transaction Management: The transaction management between SAP and the external system is not properly synchronized. If the external system is supposed to manage transactions but fails to do so, this error can occur.
  Network Issues: Temporary network issues or interruptions can lead to the failure of the COMMIT command being sent or received.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration in the RFC destination or in the external system can lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check External System: Ensure that the external system is correctly configured to send a COMMIT command after completing a transaction. Review the logs of the external system for any errors or issues.
  Review Transaction Logic: Verify the transaction logic in the external system to ensure that it is correctly handling the COMMIT operation.
  Network Stability: Check the network connection between SAP and the external system to ensure that it is stable and reliable.
  RFC Configuration: Review the RFC destination settings in SAP to ensure that they are correctly configured. This includes checking the connection parameters and ensuring that the external system is reachable.
  Error Handling: Implement error handling in the external system to catch and log any issues that may prevent the COMMIT from being executed.
  Testing: Conduct tests to replicate the issue and verify that the COMMIT command is being sent and received as expected.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Documentation: Review the documentation for the specific integration scenario you are working with, as it may provide insights into transaction management and error handling.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance, providing them with detailed logs and information about the external system and the context in which the error occurs.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the "15038 External COMMIT expected" error and implement a solution to resolve it.