How To Fix MM649 - The material cannot be unlocked when you extend it using a reference

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 649

• Message text: The material cannot be unlocked when you extend it using a reference

What causes this issue?

You are extending a material using a reference material, and want to
unlock the material you are extending. This is not possible.

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?

Finish extending the material and save it.
Access the transaction <LS>Change Material</> and unlock the material
there.

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 MM649 - The material cannot be unlocked when you extend it using a reference ?

  The SAP error message MM649, which states "The material cannot be unlocked when you extend it using a reference," typically occurs when you are trying to extend a material master record using a reference material, but the system is unable to unlock the material for the extension process. This can happen for several reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution.
  Causes:
  
  
  Material Status: The material you are trying to extend may have a status that prevents it from being modified or extended. This could be due to it being blocked for purchasing, sales, or other reasons.
  
  
  Locking Mechanism: The material might be locked by another user or process. SAP uses a locking mechanism to prevent simultaneous changes to the same data.
  
  
  Reference Material Issues: The reference material you are using may also have issues, such as being locked, having a status that prevents extension, or not being set up correctly.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to perform the extension may not have the necessary authorizations to unlock or modify the material.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the material master that are preventing the extension process.
  
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Material Status: Verify the status of the material you are trying to extend. You can do this by checking the material master record in transaction MM03. If the material is blocked, you will need to unblock it.
  
  
  Release Locks: If the material is locked, you can check who has locked it using transaction SM12. If necessary, you can ask the user to release the lock or, if appropriate, you can delete the lock yourself (be cautious with this approach).
  
  
  Review Reference Material: Ensure that the reference material is not locked and is in a valid state for extension. Check its status and any related settings.
  
  
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to extend the material. You may need to consult with your SAP security team to verify this.
  
  
  Consult Configuration: If the issue persists, consult with your SAP configuration team to review any settings that may be affecting the material extension process.
  
  
  Use Alternative Methods: If extending using a reference continues to fail, consider manually creating the material or using a different method to extend it.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), MM03 (Display Material), and SM12 (Display and Delete Locks).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files related to material master data management for further insights.
  
  If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.