How To Fix PA121 - Applicant is locked

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PA - Recruitment Messages

• Message number: 121

• Message text: Applicant is locked

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.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PA121 - Applicant is locked ?

  The SAP error message PA121, which states "Applicant is locked," typically occurs in the context of the SAP Human Capital Management (HCM) module, particularly when dealing with applicant management in the recruitment process. This error indicates that the applicant record you are trying to access or modify is currently locked, preventing any changes or actions from being performed.
  Causes of the Error PA121
  
  Locked by Another User: The applicant record may be locked by another user who is currently editing or viewing the record.
  System Lock: The system may have automatically locked the record due to a previous transaction that did not complete successfully.
  Status of the Applicant: The applicant may be in a status that does not allow further modifications (e.g., if they have been hired or rejected).
  Technical Issues: There may be underlying technical issues or inconsistencies in the database that are causing the lock.
  
  Solutions to the Error PA121
  
  Wait and Retry: If the record is locked by another user, wait for a few moments and then try to access the record again.
  Check Lock Entries: Use transaction code SM12 to check for lock entries. You can look for locks on the applicant's ID and see if you can identify the user or process that has locked it.
  Release Locks: If you have the necessary authorizations, you can manually release the lock from transaction SM12. Be cautious when doing this, as it may disrupt another user's work.
  Check Applicant Status: Verify the status of the applicant in the system. If the applicant has been processed (e.g., hired or rejected), you may need to follow a different procedure to make changes.
  Consult with IT Support: If the issue persists, it may be necessary to consult with your IT support team or SAP Basis team to investigate any underlying technical issues or to check for system inconsistencies.
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data), PA40 (Personnel Actions), and SM12 (Display and Delete Lock Entries).
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the appropriate authorizations to access and modify applicant records.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or documentation that may provide additional insights or solutions related to this error message.
  Training and Documentation: Review any training materials or documentation related to the recruitment process in your organization to understand the workflow and potential issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PA121 error and continue working with the applicant records in SAP.