How To Fix IS140 - Serial number &1 is already locked by user &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IS - Equipment management

• Message number: 140

• Message text: Serial number &1 is already locked by user &2

What causes this issue?

The object that you are trying to access is already locked either
By yourself in another session, or
By another user

System Response

The system cannot access the object.

How to fix this error?

If you are locking the object yourself in another session, exit
processing in the other session and continue in this one.
If another user is locking the object, you can:
- contact the other user
- wait until the other user has finished editing the object

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IS140 - Serial number &1 is already locked by user &2 ?

  The SAP error message IS140 indicates that a serial number is currently locked by another user, which prevents the current user from performing actions on that serial number. This is a common issue in systems that manage inventory or equipment with serial numbers, as it ensures data integrity and prevents conflicting updates.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another user is currently accessing or modifying the serial number in question.
  Session Timeout: A previous session may not have released the lock due to a timeout or an unexpected termination.
  System Configuration: The system may be configured to lock serial numbers for certain operations, and the current operation conflicts with that lock.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: If the lock is temporary, waiting for the other user to complete their task may resolve the issue. You can retry the operation after some time.
  Identify the Locking User: Use transaction codes like SM12 (for lock entries) to identify which user is holding the lock on the serial number. You can then communicate with that user to understand their actions.
  Release the Lock: If the locking user is unavailable or if the lock is no longer valid (e.g., due to a session crash), an administrator can manually release the lock using transaction SM12. However, this should be done with caution to avoid data inconsistencies.
  Check for Background Jobs: Sometimes, background jobs may hold locks on serial numbers. Check if any jobs are running that might be causing the lock.
  Review System Configuration: If this issue occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the system configuration and user access patterns to minimize conflicts.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage lock entries.
  SM21: Check system logs for any related errors or warnings.
  SE11: Check the data dictionary for the structure of the serial number table.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on serial number management and locking mechanisms.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to properly handle serial numbers and understand the implications of locking.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the IS140 error and manage serial number locks effectively in your SAP system.