How To Fix CACSOA197 - Step &1 in process &2 cannot be locked due to long-term lock

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CACSOA - FOA: Messages Related to Object Assignments

• Message number: 197

• Message text: Step &1 in process &2 cannot be locked due to long-term lock

What causes this issue?

The system attempted to lock a step in the
<DS:GLOS.210878D0D3F8F64B93740585261B5822> assignment process</>.
However it detected that the process step is already subject to a
long-term lock. The long-term long is a special kind of
<DS:TX.CACS_OALCK>Lock of Application Objects in Framework for Object
Assignment</>.

System Response

Processing is terminated.

How to fix this error?

If you are authorized to do so, you can delete the long-term lock of the
process step to carry out any changes required. You delete the
long-term lock with the corresponding function in the initial screen of
the <DS:TX.CACS_OAUI>user interface for managing object assignments</>.
Any changes made are taken into account in subsequent background
processing of the process step.
Note that, if you delete the long-term lock, any changes to the
execution time of process step processing will have no effect on already
scheduled background processing of the process step. If you want to
delay background processing of the process step, you must delete the
existing, released background job for the process step or schedule it
differently.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CACSOA197 - Step &1 in process &2 cannot be locked due to long-term lock ?

  The SAP error message CACSOA197 indicates that a specific step in a process cannot be locked due to a long-term lock. This typically occurs in scenarios where a process or transaction is being executed, and another process is holding a lock on the same resource for an extended period, preventing the current process from proceeding.
  Cause:
  
  
  Long-Term Lock: Another transaction or process is holding a lock on the resource (step) for a long time, which could be due to:
  
  A long-running transaction that has not yet completed.
  A deadlock situation where two or more processes are waiting for each other to release locks.
  A process that has encountered an error and is not releasing its locks properly.
  
  
  
  Configuration Issues: Sometimes, the configuration of the locking mechanism in SAP might lead to prolonged locks if not managed correctly.
  
  
  High System Load: If the system is under heavy load, it may lead to delays in processing and locking mechanisms.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the Lock:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for existing locks. You can see which user or process is holding the lock and the object it is locking.
  If you find a lock that is no longer needed, you can delete it (if you have the necessary authorizations).
  
  
  
  Analyze Long-Running Transactions:
  
  Use transaction SM66 to monitor active processes and identify any long-running transactions that may be causing the lock.
  If a transaction is stuck, you may need to terminate it using transaction SM37 (for job monitoring) or SM50 (for process monitoring).
  
  
  
  Check for Deadlocks:
  
  Investigate if there are any deadlocks in the system. You can use transaction ST22 to check for dumps that might indicate deadlocks.
  
  
  
  Review System Performance:
  
  If the system is under heavy load, consider optimizing performance by analyzing resource usage and tuning the system.
  
  
  
  Increase Lock Timeout:
  
  If appropriate, you can consider increasing the lock timeout settings in the system configuration, but this should be done with caution and proper understanding of the implications.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant notes or patches that might address this specific error or related locking issues.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage locks.
  SM50: Monitor active processes.
  SM66: Global overview of processes.
  ST22: Dump analysis.
  SM37: Job monitoring.
  
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on locking mechanisms and troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the long-term lock and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.