How To Fix 8I187 - Data locked by another user

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 8I - Localization India

• Message number: 187

• Message text: Data locked by another user

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.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 8I187 - Data locked by another user ?

  The SAP error message 8I187 - Data locked by another user typically occurs when a user attempts to access or modify data that is currently locked by another user in the SAP system. This locking mechanism is a part of SAP's concurrency control to ensure data integrity and prevent conflicts when multiple users are trying to access the same data simultaneously.
  Causes:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another user is currently editing or processing the same data.
  Transaction Lock: A transaction that modifies data has not been completed, leaving the data in a locked state.
  Long-running Processes: A background job or a long-running transaction may be holding the lock for an extended period.
  User Session Issues: Sometimes, a user session may not have released the lock properly due to a crash or network issue.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Wait and Retry: If the lock is temporary, waiting for the other user to finish their transaction may resolve the issue. You can try again after some time.
  Identify the Lock: Use transaction codes like SM12 (Display and Delete Locks) to identify which user or process is holding the lock. You can check the lock entries and see if you can contact the user to release the lock.
  Release the Lock: If you have the necessary authorizations, you can manually delete the lock entry in SM12. However, this should be done with caution, as it may lead to data inconsistencies if the other user is still working on the data.
  Check for Background Jobs: If a background job is causing the lock, you may need to wait for it to complete or check with your system administrator to see if it can be terminated safely.
  Session Management: Ensure that your session is properly managed and closed when not in use to avoid leaving locks behind.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: To view and manage lock entries.
  SM21: To check system logs for any related issues.
  SM37: To monitor background jobs that might be causing locks.
  
  
  User Communication: If you identify the user holding the lock, communicate with them to understand if they can release the lock or if they are still working on the data.
  System Performance: Sometimes, performance issues can lead to longer transaction times, increasing the likelihood of encountering locks. Monitoring system performance can help mitigate this.
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Encourage users to save and exit transactions promptly to minimize locking issues.
  Implement proper training for users on how to manage their sessions and transactions effectively.
  Regularly monitor and optimize system performance to reduce the occurrence of long-running transactions.
  
  If the issue persists or if you are unsure about how to proceed, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis team or system administrator for further assistance.