How To Fix KCM006 - Serious system error: Change pointer is inconsistent

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KCM - Change Management

• Message number: 006

• Message text: Serious system error: Change pointer is inconsistent

What causes this issue?

The system has determined a serious inconsistency in the internal
change pointer.

System Response

Processing must be terminated.

How to fix this error?

Contact your system administrator.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KCM006 - Serious system error: Change pointer is inconsistent ?

  The SAP error message KCM006, which states "Serious system error: Change pointer is inconsistent," typically indicates an issue with the change pointer mechanism in the SAP system. Change pointers are used in SAP to track changes to master data and are essential for various processes, including data replication and IDoc processing.
  Causes:
  
  Database Inconsistency: The change pointer table may have become inconsistent due to database issues, such as corruption or failed updates.
  Custom Development: Custom programs or enhancements that manipulate change pointers may not be handling them correctly, leading to inconsistencies.
  Transport Issues: If change pointers were transported between systems, there may be inconsistencies due to missing or incorrect data.
  System Upgrades or Patches: Changes made during system upgrades or patches may have affected the change pointer functionality.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings related to change pointers can lead to inconsistencies.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Change Pointer Tables: Use transaction codes like SE11 to check the structure of the change pointer tables (e.g., DBTABLOG, CHANGEDOCU, etc.) for inconsistencies.
  Rebuild Change Pointers: If the change pointers are corrupted, you may need to rebuild them. This can often be done using standard SAP programs or reports designed for this purpose.
  Review Custom Code: If there are custom developments that interact with change pointers, review the code for any potential issues or errors.
  Database Consistency Check: Run database consistency checks to identify and resolve any underlying database issues.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that address this specific error. There may be patches or updates available that resolve the issue.
  System Logs: Review system logs (transaction SM21) for any additional error messages or warnings that could provide more context about the issue.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and cannot be resolved through the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Change Pointers: Change pointers are typically used in conjunction with IDocs and are crucial for data synchronization between systems.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as BD21 (to process change pointers) and WE02 (to monitor IDocs).
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on change pointers and IDoc processing for a deeper understanding of how they work and how to troubleshoot related issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the KCM006 error and implement a solution to resolve it.