How To Fix PE872 - Person &1 &2 is locked by &3 and cannot be edited

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PE - Shift Planning: Messages

• Message number: 872

• Message text: Person &1 &2 is locked by &3 and cannot be edited

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 PE872 - Person &1 &2 is locked by &3 and cannot be edited ?

  The SAP error message PE872 indicates that a specific personnel record (identified by the person ID and the personnel number) is currently locked by another user or process, preventing you from editing it. This is a common issue in SAP systems, especially in Human Capital Management (HCM) modules, where multiple users may attempt to access or modify the same data simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  User Lock: The personnel record is locked by another user who is currently editing it.
  Background Jobs: A background job or process may be running that is accessing the same personnel data.
  Transaction Lock: The record may be locked due to a previous transaction that has not been completed or has encountered an error.
  System Configuration: Certain configurations in the system may lead to locks being held longer than necessary.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: If the lock is temporary (e.g., another user is editing the record), wait for a few moments and then try again.
  Identify the Locking User: Use transaction code SM12 to check for locks. You can enter the personnel number to see which user is holding the lock. If necessary, you can contact that user to coordinate access.
  Release the Lock: If you have the necessary authorizations, you can manually release the lock in transaction SM12. However, be cautious with this approach, as it may disrupt the work of the user who is currently editing the record.
  Check Background Jobs: Use transaction SM37 to check if there are any background jobs that might be locking the record. If you find any, you may need to wait for them to complete or contact the job owner.
  System Configuration Review: If this issue occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the system configuration and user access patterns to minimize locking issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: To view and manage locks.
  SM37: To monitor background jobs.
  
  
  User Communication: If you identify the user who is locking the record, communicate with them to understand their needs and coordinate access.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to locking behavior in your specific version of SAP.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation for best practices on managing user access and minimizing locking issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis team or technical support for further investigation.