How To Fix PE642 - Employee &1 is already locked by user &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PE - Shift Planning: Messages

• Message number: 642

• Message text: Employee &1 is already locked by user &2

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 PE642 - Employee &1 is already locked by user &2 ?

  The SAP error message PE642 indicates that an employee record is currently locked by another user. This typically occurs when one user is editing or processing data related to an employee, and another user attempts to access or modify the same employee record simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another user is currently editing the employee's data in the system.
  Session Timeout: A previous session may not have released the lock due to a timeout or improper logout.
  System Configuration: Certain configurations in the SAP system may lead to locks being held longer than necessary.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: The simplest solution is to wait for the other user to finish their task and then try again.
  Identify the Locking User: If you have the necessary permissions, you can check which user is locking the record. This can be done using transaction code SM12 (Lock Entries). You can search for the employee's ID and see which user has locked it.
  Release the Lock: If the lock is no longer needed (for example, if the user has logged out unexpectedly), you can manually delete the lock entry in SM12. However, this should be done with caution and typically requires appropriate authorizations.
  Communicate with the Locking User: If you identify the user who has locked the record, you can communicate with them to see if they can release the lock.
  Check for Background Jobs: Sometimes, background jobs may also hold locks. You can check transaction SM37 to see if any jobs are running that might be causing the lock.
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: To view and manage lock entries.
  SM37: To check background jobs that might be affecting locks.
  SU01: To check user details and roles if you need to investigate user permissions.
  
  
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Encourage users to log out properly after completing their tasks to avoid unnecessary locks.
  Implement training for users on how to manage employee records to minimize concurrent access issues.
  Review system settings and configurations related to locking mechanisms if this issue occurs frequently.
  
  
  
  If the problem persists or if you encounter frequent locking issues, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis team or system administrator for further investigation and potential adjustments to system settings.