How To Fix EB278 - It is not possible to lock the business partner

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EB - IS-U invoicing

• Message number: 278

• Message text: It is not possible to lock the business partner

What causes this issue?

It is currently not possible to lock the business partner. However, the
business partner must be locked, as a print date is to be stored in the
dunning history whilst printing the current print document. This is
necessary for print documents, in which invoicing has been dunned.
The EITERDK parallelization object is used in the <ZH>Mass Processing:
Bill Printout</> transaction (EA29). The parallelization takes place by
print document number. The system cannot lock the business partner if a
print document for the same business partner is being processed in a
different interval, and the business partner has been locked in this
print document.

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?

The current print document is processed at the next bill printout.
If n of the invoicing is either not dunned, or is very rarely dunned,
then it is worth using the <ZH>EITERDK</> parallelization object in the
<ZK>Mass Processing: Bill Printout</> transaction. Otherwise, you should
use the <ZH>BIPR_DX</> parallelization object, which parallelizes
according to business partner number.

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 EB278 - It is not possible to lock the business partner ?

  The SAP error message EB278, which states "It is not possible to lock the business partner," typically occurs when there is an attempt to lock a business partner (BP) record for editing or processing, but the system is unable to do so. This can happen for several reasons:
  Causes:
  
  Existing Lock: The business partner record is already locked by another user or process. SAP uses locks to prevent concurrent modifications that could lead to data inconsistencies.
  System Issues: There may be issues with the SAP system itself, such as database locks or inconsistencies in the lock table.
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to lock the business partner may not have the necessary authorizations to do so.
  Technical Errors: There could be technical errors in the system, such as problems with the application server or database.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Lock Entries: Use transaction code SM12 to check for existing lock entries. You can look for locks on the business partner in question and see if another user is holding the lock. If appropriate, you can delete the lock entry (if you have the necessary authorizations).
  
  
  Wait and Retry: If the lock is held by another user, you may need to wait until that user has finished their work and released the lock. You can try again after some time.
  
  
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to lock and edit the business partner. You can check this in transaction SU53 or by reviewing the user's roles and authorizations.
  
  
  System Health Check: If the issue persists, check the overall health of the SAP system. Look for any ongoing issues with the application server or database that might be causing locking problems.
  
  
  Contact Basis Team: If you suspect a technical issue or if you are unable to resolve the lock, it may be necessary to contact your SAP Basis team for further investigation. They can check for any underlying issues in the system.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage lock entries.
  SU53: Display authorization check.
  SM21: Check system logs for errors.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to business partner management and locking mechanisms for more context on how locks are handled in the system.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the EB278 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.