How To Fix 5C442 - Personnel number cannot be locked

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5C - HR: Messages for Switzerland

• Message number: 442

• Message text: Personnel number cannot be locked

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5C442 - Personnel number cannot be locked ?

  The SAP error message 5C442 ("Personnel number cannot be locked") typically occurs in the Human Capital Management (HCM) module when there is an attempt to lock a personnel number (employee record) for processing, but the system is unable to do so. This can happen for several reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution.
  Causes:
  
  
  Personnel Number Already Locked: The personnel number may already be locked by another user or process. This can happen if another transaction is currently being processed for the same employee.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to lock the personnel number may not have the necessary authorizations to perform the lock operation.
  
  
  System Configuration: There may be configuration settings in the system that prevent locking of personnel numbers under certain conditions.
  
  
  Database Issues: There could be underlying database issues or inconsistencies that prevent the locking mechanism from functioning correctly.
  
  
  Background Jobs: Sometimes, background jobs or processes that are running may be holding locks on the personnel number.
  
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check for Existing Locks: Use transaction code SM12 to check if the personnel number is already locked by another user. If it is, you may need to wait for that user to complete their transaction or, if appropriate, unlock it.
  
  
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to lock the personnel number. This can be checked in transaction code SU53 or by reviewing the user's role assignments.
  
  
  System Configuration Review: Consult with your SAP Basis or HCM configuration team to review any settings that might be affecting the locking mechanism for personnel numbers.
  
  
  Database Consistency Check: If you suspect database issues, you may need to run consistency checks or consult with your database administrator to ensure that the database is functioning correctly.
  
  
  Monitor Background Jobs: Check for any background jobs that might be running and holding locks on the personnel number. You can use transaction code SM37 to monitor background jobs.
  
  
  Retry the Operation: If the issue is temporary, simply waiting a few moments and retrying the operation may resolve the issue.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data), SM12 (Display and Delete Locks), and SM37 (Job Monitoring).
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to personnel administration and locking mechanisms for further insights.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to escalate the matter to your SAP support team or consult with SAP support for more in-depth troubleshooting.