How To Fix HPC036 - Deleting of hierarchy failed; cannot lock hierarchy &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: HPC - Classification-Based Product Hierarchy

• Message number: 036

• Message text: Deleting of hierarchy failed; cannot lock hierarchy &1

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message HPC036 - Deleting of hierarchy failed; cannot lock hierarchy &1 ?

  The SAP error message HPC036, which states "Deleting of hierarchy failed; cannot lock hierarchy &1," typically occurs when there is an attempt to delete a hierarchy in SAP that is currently being used or locked by another process or user. This can happen in various SAP modules, particularly in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP ERP systems where hierarchies are utilized for reporting and data organization.
  Causes:
  
  Active Locks: The hierarchy you are trying to delete is currently locked by another user or process. This could be due to ongoing transactions or processes that are using the hierarchy.
  Background Jobs: There may be background jobs that are currently processing data related to the hierarchy.
  Open Sessions: If there are open sessions or transactions that are referencing the hierarchy, it cannot be deleted.
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to delete the hierarchy, leading to a failure in locking it.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Locks: Use transaction code SM12 to check for any active locks on the hierarchy. If you find locks that are not needed, you can release them (ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to do so).
  Identify Active Processes: Use transaction code SM66 or SM50 to identify any active processes that might be using the hierarchy. You can then decide whether to wait for these processes to complete or terminate them if appropriate.
  Background Jobs: Check for any background jobs that might be using the hierarchy by using transaction code SM37. If you find relevant jobs, you may need to wait for them to finish or cancel them if they are not needed.
  User Sessions: Ensure that no other users are currently working with the hierarchy. You can communicate with your team to confirm this.
  Authorization Check: Verify that you have the necessary authorizations to delete the hierarchy. If not, contact your system administrator to obtain the required permissions.
  Retry Deletion: After ensuring that there are no locks or active processes, try deleting the hierarchy again.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with the following transaction codes for monitoring and managing locks and processes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage locks
  SM50: Monitor active processes
  SM66: Global overview of active processes
  SM37: Monitor background jobs
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message. Sometimes, there may be known issues or fixes provided by SAP.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to hierarchy management in the specific module you are working with (e.g., BW, ERP) for best practices and guidelines.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to your SAP support team for further assistance.