How To Fix M3844 - MARA locked by another user

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M3 - Material Master

• Message number: 844

• Message text: MARA locked by another user

What causes this issue?

You have set the "Lock MARA" indicator. Another user is currently
processing materials and has therefore locked table MARA.

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?

Carry out this function later.
Note
You have the possibility of resetting the indicator. However, do not do
this unless you are sure that no other user is processing a material
from the specified area.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M3844 - MARA locked by another user ?

  The SAP error message M3844, which states "MARA locked by another user," typically occurs when a user attempts to access or modify a record in the MARA table (which contains general material data) that is currently locked by another user. 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 or modify the same data simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another user is currently editing or has locked the material record in the MARA table.
  Long Transactions: A user may have an open session that is taking a long time to complete, thus holding the lock on the record.
  System Issues: Sometimes, system issues or errors can lead to locks not being released properly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: The simplest solution is to wait for the other user to finish their transaction and release the lock. You can try again after some time.
  Check Lock Entries: Use transaction code SM12 to check for lock entries. You can see which user is holding the lock on the MARA record. If you have the necessary authorizations, you can delete the lock entry, but this should be done with caution as it may lead to data inconsistency.
  Communicate with the User: If you identify the user holding the lock, you can communicate with them to understand if they can release the lock or if they are still working on the record.
  Transaction Monitoring: If this issue occurs frequently, consider monitoring transactions that access the MARA table to identify patterns or long-running processes that may be causing locks.
  System Administration: If the problem persists, it may require intervention from your SAP Basis team to investigate and resolve any underlying system issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Lock Management: Understanding how SAP handles locks can help in troubleshooting. Locks can be exclusive (write locks) or shared (read locks), and they are managed by the SAP lock management system.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: To view and manage lock entries.
  SM21: To check system logs for any related errors or issues.
  SE11: To view the structure of the MARA table and understand its fields.
  
  
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to properly handle transactions to minimize the chances of locking issues.
  
  Always ensure that any actions taken to resolve locking issues are in line with your organization's policies and procedures to maintain data integrity and security.