How To Fix HR_BIW_PP003 - Could not remove lock on posting runs

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: HR_BIW_PP - Message class for HR posting data extractors

• Message number: 003

• Message text: Could not remove lock on posting runs

What causes this issue?

The system locked update runs for the BW transfer. After the transfer
was completed, the system was unable to unlock the objects.

Procedure for System Administrators

Make sure that the BW transfer has finished, and remove the lock
entries manually.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message HR_BIW_PP003 - Could not remove lock on posting runs ?

  The SAP error message HR_BIW_PP003: Could not remove lock on posting runs typically occurs in the context of the SAP Human Resources (HR) module, particularly when dealing with payroll processing or posting runs. This error indicates that the system is unable to remove a lock that was placed on a posting run, which can prevent further processing.
  Causes:
  
  
  Existing Locks: The most common cause is that there is an existing lock on the posting run that has not been released. This can happen if a previous process did not complete successfully or if there are multiple users trying to access the same posting run simultaneously.
  
  
  Database Issues: There may be issues with the database that prevent the lock from being released properly.
  
  
  User Authorizations: The user attempting to remove the lock may not have the necessary authorizations to do so.
  
  
  System Errors: There could be underlying system errors or inconsistencies that are causing the lock to persist.
  
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check for Existing Locks: Use transaction code SM12 to check for existing locks. You can look for locks related to the specific posting run and see if they can be manually deleted.
  
  
  Release Locks: If you find locks that are no longer needed, you can manually delete them in transaction SM12. Be cautious when doing this, as removing locks that are still in use can lead to data inconsistencies.
  
  
  Check User Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to perform the action. If not, you may need to adjust the user's roles or permissions.
  
  
  Review Background Jobs: If the posting run was initiated by a background job, check the job status in transaction SM37. If the job has failed, it may have left a lock in place.
  
  
  Restart the Process: If the issue persists, consider restarting the payroll process or the posting run after ensuring that all locks are cleared.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error. There may be patches or updates that resolve known issues.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to contact SAP Support for further assistance, especially if the issue is related to a bug or system inconsistency.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SM12 (for lock entries), SM37 (for job monitoring), and PA03 (for payroll processing).
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to payroll processing and locking mechanisms to understand how locks are managed in the system.
  System Logs: Check system logs for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the HR_BIW_PP003 error effectively.