How To Fix MU078 - The user &1 is already processing the material &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MU - Maintenance of structured materials

• Message number: 078

• Message text: The user &1 is already processing the material &2

What causes this issue?

You want to include the material &V2& in a component list. However,
this is not possible because the material is being processed by another
user. For example, when you create
<DS:GLOS.3526BBD2AFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>listing conditions</>, the
components must not be locked by another user because this may prevent
important data from being created.

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?

Try again later.

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 MU078 - The user &1 is already processing the material &2 ?

  The SAP error message MU078 indicates that a specific user is already processing a particular material. This typically occurs in scenarios where multiple users are trying to perform operations on the same material simultaneously, leading to a lock situation to prevent data inconsistencies.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Processing: Another user is currently processing the same material, which locks it for other users.
  Long-running Transactions: A transaction that takes a long time to complete may hold the lock longer than expected.
  System Configuration: Certain configurations in the system may lead to more frequent locking situations.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: The simplest solution is to wait for the other user to complete their transaction and then try again.
  Identify the Lock: Use transaction code SM12 to check for locks on the material. You can identify which user is holding the lock and what transaction they are performing.
  Contact the User: If possible, communicate with the user who is processing the material to understand their timeline and whether they can release the lock.
  Transaction Monitoring: If this is a frequent issue, consider monitoring the transactions that lead to these locks and optimizing them if necessary.
  System Configuration Review: Review the system configuration to ensure that it is set up to minimize locking issues, especially in high-transaction environments.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: To view and manage locks in the system.
  SM21: To check system logs for any related issues.
  ST22: To check for dumps that might indicate underlying issues.
  
  
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to handle materials properly to minimize concurrent processing.
  Performance Tuning: If locking issues are frequent, consider performance tuning of the related transactions or processes.
  
  If the problem persists or if you need further assistance, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis team or SAP support for a deeper investigation into the issue.