How To Fix HPC037 - Deletion of hierarchy failed; cannot release the lock of hierarchy &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: HPC - Classification-Based Product Hierarchy

• Message number: 037

• Message text: Deletion of hierarchy failed; cannot release the lock of hierarchy &1

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message HPC037 - Deletion of hierarchy failed; cannot release the lock of hierarchy &1 ?

  The SAP error message HPC037, which states "Deletion of hierarchy failed; cannot release the lock of hierarchy &1," typically occurs in the context of working with hierarchical data structures in SAP, such as those used in Profitability Analysis (CO-PA) or other modules that utilize hierarchies.
  Cause:
  The error is generally caused by one of the following reasons:
  
  
  Locking Issues: The hierarchy you are trying to delete is currently locked by another user or process. This can happen if another transaction is accessing the hierarchy or if a previous operation did not complete successfully, leaving the lock in place.
  
  
  Incomplete Transactions: If a previous operation on the hierarchy was interrupted or failed, it might leave the hierarchy in a state that prevents further modifications.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to delete the hierarchy, which can also lead to locking issues.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the HPC037 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check for Locks:
  
  Use transaction code SM12 to check for any existing locks on the hierarchy. Look for entries related to the hierarchy ID mentioned in the error message.
  If you find locks that are no longer needed, you can delete them (if you have the necessary authorizations).
  
  
  
  Ensure No Other Users Are Accessing the Hierarchy:
  
  Confirm that no other users or processes are currently working with the hierarchy. You may need to coordinate with your team to ensure that the hierarchy is not in use.
  
  
  
  Retry the Operation:
  
  After ensuring that there are no locks, try to delete the hierarchy again.
  
  
  
  Check for Incomplete Transactions:
  
  If you suspect that a previous transaction was interrupted, check the relevant logs or transaction history to identify and resolve any incomplete processes.
  
  
  
  Review Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform the deletion. If not, contact your SAP security administrator to obtain the required permissions.
  
  
  
  System Restart:
  
  In some cases, a system restart may help clear any lingering locks or issues, especially if the problem persists.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SM12 (for lock entries), SM21 (for system logs), and ST22 (for dump analysis) to troubleshoot further.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Documentation: Review the SAP documentation related to the specific module you are working with (e.g., CO-PA) for more context on hierarchy management.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to your SAP support team for further assistance.