How To Fix CK688 - User &4 is locking allowance for marking: company code &1, period &2 &3

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CK - Product Costing Messages

• Message number: 688

• Message text: User &4 is locking allowance for marking: company code &1, period &2 &3

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CK688 - User &4 is locking allowance for marking: company code &1, period &2 &3 ?

  The SAP error message CK688 indicates that a user is attempting to perform an action related to marking allowances in a specific company code and period, but that action is being blocked because another user has locked the allowance for that same company code and period. This typically occurs in the context of controlling and cost accounting processes, particularly when dealing with cost center accounting or internal orders.
  Cause:
  
  
  User Locking: Another user is currently processing or has locked the allowance for marking in the specified company code and period. This could be due to:
  
  A user running a transaction that requires exclusive access to the data.
  A previous session that has not been properly closed or has timed out, leaving a lock in place.
  
  
  
  Concurrent Processing: Multiple users trying to access or modify the same data simultaneously can lead to locking issues.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the Lock:
  
  Use transaction code SM12 to check for locks. You can filter by the user ID or the relevant company code and period to see which user is holding the lock.
  If you find a lock that is no longer needed (e.g., the user has logged out or the session is inactive), you can delete the lock entry if you have the necessary authorizations.
  
  
  
  Communicate with the User:
  
  If another user is actively working on the data, communicate with them to understand their needs and coordinate the timing of your actions.
  
  
  
  Wait and Retry:
  
  If the lock is legitimate and necessary for ongoing processes, you may need to wait until the other user has completed their task and released the lock.
  
  
  
  Check for Background Jobs:
  
  Sometimes, background jobs may hold locks. Check transaction SM37 to see if any background jobs are running that might be causing the lock.
  
  
  
  System Configuration:
  
  If locking issues are frequent, it may be worth reviewing the system configuration and user roles to ensure that they are set up to minimize conflicts.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage locks.
  SM37: Monitor background jobs.
  CKM3N: Display mark allowances (if applicable).
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on locking mechanisms and how they work within the SAP system.
  
  
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to properly log out of sessions and manage their transactions to minimize locking issues.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CK688 error and continue with your work in SAP.