How To Fix MM647 - The material type cannot be changed because the material is locked

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MM - Messages for material master maintenance and Customizing

• Message number: 647

• Message text: The material type cannot be changed because the material is locked

What causes this issue?

The material type has been defined as lock-relevant in Customizing for
the <LS>Material Master</> in <DS:SIMG.SIMG_CFMENUOLMSFIX>Define
Lock-Relevant Fields</>, and the material master record has been
locked. As a result, the material type cannot be changed.

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?

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 MM647 - The material type cannot be changed because the material is locked ?

  The SAP error message MM647 indicates that a material cannot be changed because it is currently locked. This typically occurs when there are ongoing transactions or processes that involve the material, preventing any modifications to its attributes, including its material type.
  Causes:
  
  Material Locking: The material is locked due to ongoing transactions, such as purchase orders, sales orders, or inventory movements.
  User Lock: A user may have locked the material for editing, preventing others from making changes.
  Background Jobs: There may be background jobs or batch processes that are currently using the material.
  Data Consistency Checks: The system may be performing data consistency checks that temporarily lock the material.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Lock Status:
  
  Use transaction code SM12 to check for any user locks on the material. If you find a lock that is no longer needed, you can delete it (if you have the necessary authorizations).
  
  
  
  Check Open Transactions:
  
  Review any open purchase orders, sales orders, or other transactions that might be using the material. You can use transaction codes like ME23N (Display Purchase Order) or VA03 (Display Sales Order) to check for related documents.
  
  
  
  Wait for Processes to Complete:
  
  If the material is locked due to background jobs or batch processes, you may need to wait until those processes are completed before attempting to change the material type again.
  
  
  
  Contact System Administrator:
  
  If you are unable to identify the cause of the lock or if it persists, contact your SAP system administrator or support team for assistance. They can help identify any system-level locks or issues.
  
  
  
  Review Material Master Data:
  
  Ensure that there are no inconsistencies in the material master data that could be causing the lock. You can use transaction code MM03 to display the material and check its status.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage user locks.
  MM03: Display material master data.
  ME23N: Display purchase order.
  VA03: Display sales order.
  
  
  
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to unlock materials or make changes to material master data.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to material locks and error MM647.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the lock and take appropriate action to resolve the error.