How To Fix PWWW238 - Personnel number &1 locked by user &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PWWW - HR: Internet Scenarios

• Message number: 238

• Message text: Personnel number &1 locked by user &2

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PWWW238 - Personnel number &1 locked by user &2 ?

  The SAP error message PWWW238 indicates that a personnel number is locked by a specific user. This typically occurs when a user is trying to access or modify a personnel record that is currently being edited or has been locked by another user. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  User Locking: The personnel number is locked because another user is currently editing it. This is a common scenario in systems where multiple users may access the same records simultaneously.
  Session Timeout: Sometimes, a user may have left a session open, causing the lock to persist even after they have stopped actively working on it.
  System Errors: Occasionally, system errors or crashes can lead to locks that do not release properly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: If the lock is temporary, waiting for the other user to finish their work and release the lock may be the simplest solution.
  Identify the Locking User: Check who is currently locking the personnel number. This can often be done through transaction codes like SM12 (for lock entries) or SM21 (for system logs) to identify the user and the lock.
  Contact the Locking User: If possible, reach out to the user who has locked the personnel number to see if they can release it or if they are done with their changes.
  Release the Lock: If the locking user is unavailable and you have the necessary authorizations, you can manually release the lock using transaction SM12. However, this should be done with caution, as it may lead to data inconsistencies if the other user is still working on the record.
  Check for System Issues: If locks are persisting without a clear reason, it may be worth checking for system issues or consulting with your SAP Basis team to ensure there are no underlying problems.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: To view and manage lock entries.
  SM21: To view system logs for any related errors.
  SU01: To check user details and roles.
  
  
  User Authorizations: Ensure that users have the appropriate authorizations to access and modify personnel records.
  Training and Documentation: Providing training for users on how to properly log out of sessions and manage records can help reduce the frequency of such locks.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PWWW238 error and manage personnel records effectively in SAP.