How To Fix CK731 - Material &1 valuation area &2 is blocked by user &4

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CK - Product Costing Messages

• Message number: 731

• Message text: Material &1 valuation area &2 is blocked by user &4

What causes this issue?

Material &v1& in valuation area &V2&, valuation type &v3& is locked by
user &V4&.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Repeat the operation for this material when the lock no longer exists.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CK731 - Material &1 valuation area &2 is blocked by user &4 ?

  The SAP error message CK731 indicates that a specific material in a particular valuation area is blocked by a user. This typically occurs during processes such as inventory valuation, costing, or when trying to perform certain transactions related to the material.
  Cause:
  The error message CK731 is triggered when:
  
  A user has locked the material for a specific valuation area, preventing other users from making changes or performing transactions on it.
  This lock could be due to various reasons, such as ongoing inventory management activities, costing runs, or other processes that require exclusive access to the material.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the CK731 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Identify the User Locking the Material:
  
  Check the user ID mentioned in the error message (user &4). This will help you identify who has locked the material.
  
  
  
  Contact the User:
  
  If possible, reach out to the user who has locked the material to understand why it is locked and if they can release it.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Code SM12:
  
  You can use transaction code SM12 to view and manage user locks.
  In SM12, enter the user ID and execute the search to see the locks held by that user.
  If necessary and if you have the appropriate authorizations, you can delete the lock entry. However, be cautious with this step, as it may disrupt the user's ongoing processes.
  
  
  
  Check for Background Jobs:
  
  Sometimes, background jobs may lock materials. Check transaction SM37 to see if there are any running jobs that might be causing the lock.
  
  
  
  Wait for the Process to Complete:
  
  If the lock is due to a legitimate process (like a costing run), you may need to wait until the process is completed.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  If this issue occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the configuration and processes around material management and costing to ensure that they are optimized and that locks are minimized.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CK11N: Create Cost Estimate with Quantity Structure
  CK40N: Change Cost Estimate
  SM12: Display and Delete Locks
  SM37: Monitor Background Jobs
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to material valuation and locking mechanisms for more detailed insights.
  
  
  
  User Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that users have the appropriate authorizations to perform actions on materials to avoid unnecessary locks.
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CK731 error and understand the underlying causes of material locks in SAP.