How To Fix /OSP/A_MSG186 - Execution terminated, another instance of report &1 was active

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /OSP/A_MSG -

• Message number: 186

• Message text: Execution terminated, another instance of report &1 was active

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /OSP/A_MSG186 - Execution terminated, another instance of report &1 was active ?

  The SAP error message /OSP/A_MSG186 Execution terminated, another instance of report &1 was active indicates that a report or program is already running in the background or foreground, and the system does not allow multiple instances of the same report to be executed simultaneously. This is a common safeguard in SAP to prevent data inconsistencies and resource contention.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Execution: The report or program you are trying to run is already being executed by another user or instance.
  Long-Running Processes: If the report takes a long time to execute, it may still be running when you attempt to start it again.
  Background Jobs: The report may be scheduled as a background job, which is still in progress.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Active Jobs:
  
  Go to transaction code SM37 (Job Monitoring) to check if the report is currently running as a background job. You can filter by the report name and user.
  If you find an active job, you can either wait for it to complete or, if necessary, terminate it (if you have the appropriate authorizations).
  
  
  
  Check User Sessions:
  
  Use transaction code SM50 (Process Overview) to see if the report is running in another user session. If you find it, you can decide whether to wait or terminate the session.
  
  
  
  Wait for Completion: If the report is running and you do not have the authority to terminate it, the best course of action is to wait until it completes.
  
  
  Modify Report Logic: If you have control over the report's code, consider implementing logic to check for existing instances before starting a new one. This can be done using function modules like JOB_OPEN and JOB_CLOSE to manage job execution.
  
  
  Contact Administrator: If you are unsure or do not have the necessary permissions to check or terminate jobs, contact your SAP system administrator for assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM37: Job Monitoring
  SM50: Process Overview
  SM21: System Log (to check for any related errors)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific issues related to the report you are trying to run. Sometimes, there may be known issues or patches available.
  
  
  Documentation: Review the documentation for the specific report to understand its execution requirements and any limitations regarding concurrent execution.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully execute the report.