How To Fix CSL_TOKENMGMT028 - CSL: Inconsistency with &1: Reference counter is negative (&2)

CSL_TOKENMGMT028 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CSL_TOKENMGMT - CSL: Message Class for Token Management Messages

• Message number: 028

• Message text: CSL: Inconsistency with &1: Reference counter is negative (&2)

What causes this issue?

Kontext: Cross-system and cross-LUW lock (CSL).
The reference count of the CSL token &1 is &2: a negative reference
count is an invalid status!
This inconsistency means that a CSL reference was used more than once.
The cause for this could be:
Serialization error: a CSL-internal message of the type "Create
reference" was overwritten by its counterpaft, the CSL-internal message
"Release reference".
Administration error: A message that contains a CSL reference, for
example, an IDOC, was posted several times.
Programming error: The programming model of the CSL was not adhered to.

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

Serialization errors can be excluded through activation of the function
"Reference follow-up", Customizing setting 'LCT' or 'LCTM' (the 'T'
stands for the function 'Tracking').
If there is an administration error, the reference count can be
corrected.
If there is a programming error, document the process that caused the
inconsistency, and inform the respective development department.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CSL_TOKENMGMT028 - CSL: Inconsistency with &1: Reference counter is negative (&2) ?

  The SAP error message CSL_TOKENMGMT028 indicates an inconsistency in the token management system, specifically related to a negative reference counter for a token. This error typically arises in the context of SAP's Centralized License Management (CSL) or similar licensing mechanisms.
  
  Cause:
  The error message CSL_TOKENMGMT028 is triggered when the reference counter for a specific token (identified by &1) becomes negative (indicated by &2). This situation can occur due to several reasons, including:
  
  Improper Token Management: Tokens may not have been properly incremented or decremented during their lifecycle, leading to an incorrect reference count.
  System Errors: Bugs or issues in the SAP system that affect how tokens are managed.
  Manual Changes: Manual interventions or changes in the database that affect the token reference counts.
  Data Corruption: Corruption in the database or inconsistencies in the token management tables.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Token Management Tables: Investigate the relevant token management tables in the SAP