How To Fix BUP_RELATIONS171 - &1 between BP &2 and BP &3 cannot be locked (shared lock BP &4)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BUP_RELATIONS - BPR: Message Class for Relationship Segments

• Message number: 171

• Message text: &1 between BP &2 and BP &3 cannot be locked (shared lock BP &4)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BUP_RELATIONS171 - &1 between BP &2 and BP &3 cannot be locked (shared lock BP &4) ?

  The SAP error message BUP_RELATIONS171 indicates that there is a problem with locking business partner (BP) relationships in the system. Specifically, the message states that a shared lock on a business partner (BP) is preventing the system from processing a relationship between two other business partners.
  Cause:
  The error typically occurs due to the following reasons:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another transaction or user is currently accessing or modifying the business partner (BP) that is locked. This can happen if multiple users are trying to edit or create relationships for the same business partner simultaneously.
  Long-running Transactions: If a transaction takes a long time to complete, it can hold locks on business partners longer than expected, causing other transactions to fail with this error.
  System Configuration: There may be issues with the configuration of the business partner settings or the locking mechanism in the SAP system.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check for Active Sessions: Use transaction code SM12 to check for active locks on the business partners involved. Identify the user or session that is holding the lock and determine if it can be released.
  
  
  Wait and Retry: If the lock is held by another user, you may need to wait for that user to complete their transaction and then retry your operation.
  
  
  Communicate with Users: If you identify a user holding a lock, communicate with them to understand if they can release the lock or if they are still working on the transaction.
  
  
  Review Long-running Transactions: If you find that transactions are taking too long, investigate the cause. It may be necessary to optimize the process or check for performance issues in the system.
  
  
  System Configuration: If the issue persists, review the configuration of the business partner settings in your SAP system. Ensure that there are no misconfigurations that could lead to locking issues.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance on handling locking issues with business partners.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SM12: To view and manage locks.
  BP: To manage business partners.
  SE11: To check the data dictionary for business partner tables.
  
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to business partner management and locking mechanisms for further insights.
  
  
  Support: If the issue cannot be resolved through the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance, providing them with the error message details and any relevant transaction logs.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the locking issue and take appropriate action to resolve it.