How To Fix MDG_MDF402 - Values for characteristic &2 already locked by user &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MDG_MDF - Master Data: Messages

• Message number: 402

• Message text: Values for characteristic &2 already locked by user &1

What causes this issue?

Characteristic values for characteristic &V2& are to be locked.
However, one or more of the values are already locked by user &V1&.

System Response

The object can only be displayed.

How to fix this error?

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

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MDG_MDF402 - Values for characteristic &2 already locked by user &1 ?

  The SAP error message MDG_MDF402 indicates that a user is trying to modify or access a characteristic value that is currently locked by another user. This typically occurs in the context of Master Data Governance (MDG) when multiple users are attempting to edit the same data simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another user has already locked the characteristic value for editing. This is a common scenario in systems where multiple users are working on the same data set.
  Session Timeout: Sometimes, a user may have left a session open, causing the lock to persist longer than necessary.
  System Configuration: The locking mechanism may be configured in a way that is too restrictive, leading to frequent lock conflicts.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: The simplest solution is to wait for the other user to finish their work and release the lock. You can try again after some time.
  Identify the Locking User: If you have the necessary permissions, you can check who is currently locking the characteristic value. This can be done using transaction codes like SM12 (for lock entries) or SM21 (for system logs).
  Contact the Locking User: If possible, reach out to the user who has locked the characteristic value and ask them to release it if they are done with their changes.
  Release the Lock: If the locking user is unavailable and you have the necessary authorizations, you can manually release the lock using transaction SM12. However, this should be done with caution to avoid data inconsistencies.
  Review System Configuration: If this issue occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the system's locking configuration and user access patterns to optimize the process.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Lock Management: Understanding how SAP handles locks can help in troubleshooting. Locks are typically used to prevent data inconsistencies during concurrent updates.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that users have the appropriate roles and authorizations to access and modify the data they need without unnecessary conflicts.
  Training and Best Practices: Educating users on best practices for data editing in MDG can help minimize lock conflicts, such as coordinating edits or using a check-out/check-in process.
  
  If the problem persists or if you encounter additional issues, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis team or technical support for further assistance.