How To Fix M2166 - Requested object currently locked; try again later

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M2 - LIS: Generating and updating info structures

• Message number: 166

• Message text: Requested object currently locked; try again later

What causes this issue?

Table &V1& 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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M2166 - Requested object currently locked; try again later ?

  The SAP error message M2166, which states "Requested object currently locked; try again later," typically occurs when a user attempts to access or modify a material or inventory object that is currently locked by another user or process. This locking mechanism is a part of SAP's concurrency control to ensure data integrity and prevent conflicts when multiple users are trying to access the same data simultaneously.
  Causes:
  
  User Lock: Another user is currently editing or processing the same material or inventory object.
  Background Job: A background job is running that is using the object, causing it to be locked.
  Transaction Lock: A transaction that involves the object is still open, preventing other transactions from accessing it.
  System Lock: The system may have a temporary lock due to a previous operation that did not complete successfully.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Wait and Retry: The simplest solution is to wait for a few moments and then try the operation again. The lock may be released once the other user or process completes its task.
  Identify the Lock: Use transaction code SM12 to check for locks in the system. You can see which user or process is holding the lock and take appropriate action.
  Release the Lock: If you have the necessary authorizations, you can manually release the lock from transaction SM12. However, be cautious when doing this, as it may disrupt the work of other users.
  Check Background Jobs: Use transaction SM37 to check if there are any background jobs that might be locking the object. If you find a job that is causing the lock, you may need to wait for it to complete or contact the job owner.
  Consult with Colleagues: If you suspect that a colleague is working on the same object, it may be helpful to communicate with them to understand their progress and when they expect to finish.
  System Administrator: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, it may be necessary to involve your SAP system administrator for further investigation.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Lock Management: Understanding how SAP handles locks can help in troubleshooting. Locks can be either exclusive (preventing all other access) or shared (allowing read access but preventing write access).
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SM12 (to view and manage locks), SM37 (to monitor background jobs), and SE11 (to check table definitions).
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on locking mechanisms and best practices for managing locks in SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the M2166 error and continue your work in SAP.