How To Fix KI503 - The control data is already being processed by &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KI -

• Message number: 503

• Message text: The control data is already being processed by &

What causes this issue?

DEFINE &USER& = &V1&
INCLUDE MESSAGE_ENQUEUE_USER OBJECT DOKU ID TX
You want to process plan or control data that is already being processed
by user &V1&. To prevent the data from being overwritten, it is locked.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Wait until the locked data has been released again.
Alternatively, contact user &V1&.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KI503 - The control data is already being processed by & ?

  The SAP error message KI503, which states "The control data is already being processed by &," typically occurs in the context of controlling (CO) module transactions, particularly when dealing with internal orders, cost centers, or other controlling objects. This error indicates that the system is trying to process control data that is already being processed by another user or session.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Processing: The most common cause of this error is that another user or session is currently processing the same control data. This can happen if multiple users are trying to post transactions or make changes to the same internal order or cost center simultaneously.
  Lock Mechanism: SAP uses a locking mechanism to prevent data inconsistencies. When one user is working on a particular piece of data, it gets locked, and other users trying to access it will receive this error message.
  Long-running Transactions: If a transaction takes a long time to complete, it may hold the lock for an extended period, causing other users to encounter this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: The simplest solution is to wait for a few moments and then try to process the transaction again. If the other user is done with their transaction, the lock will be released.
  Identify the Lock: If the issue persists, you can identify which user or session is holding the lock. You can use transaction codes like SM12 (to view lock entries) or SM21 (to check system logs) to find out more about the lock.
  Contact the User: If you identify the user who is holding the lock, you can contact them to see if they can complete their transaction or release the lock.
  System Administrator Intervention: If necessary, a system administrator can manually release the lock using transaction SM12, but this should be done with caution to avoid data inconsistencies.
  Review Transaction Design: If this error occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the design of the transactions being processed to minimize concurrent access to the same data.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SM12 (lock entries), SM21 (system log), and SM37 (job monitoring) to help diagnose and resolve issues.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to handle transactions properly to minimize the chances of encountering this error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the KI503 error and continue with your SAP transactions.