How To Fix RSDMD178 - Master data version &3 of characteristic &1 locked by user &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RSDMD - Messages for master data

• Message number: 178

• Message text: Master data version &3 of characteristic &1 locked by user &2

What causes this issue?

User &V2& is locking the master data value &V3& for characteristic &V1&
. The lock was set in the maintenance screens for master data on &V4&.

System Response

For reasons of consistency, the system cannot allow changes to be made
to this master data value.

How to fix this error?

Wait until the process that is causing the lock releases the value. You
can call transaction SM12 to display a list of the locks.
If a process terminates, the locks that have been set by this process
are reset automatically.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RSDMD178 - Master data version &3 of characteristic &1 locked by user &2 ?

  The SAP error message RSDMD178 indicates that a specific version of a master data characteristic is locked by a user, preventing other users from making changes to it. This typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI (Business Intelligence) when working with master data.
  Cause:
  The error message is triggered when:
  
  A user is currently editing or has locked the master data version of a characteristic.
  The lock may be due to an active session where the user is making changes, or it could be a leftover lock from a previous session that did not release properly.
  The characteristic version is being accessed by multiple users, and one of them has locked it for editing.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the issue, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Identify the Locking User: The error message specifies the user who has locked the characteristic version. You can check with that user to see if they are actively working on it.
  
  
  Release the Lock:
  
  If the user is done with their changes, they should save and exit the transaction to release the lock.
  If the user is unavailable, you may need to use transaction SM12 (Lock Entries) to manually delete the lock entry. This should be done with caution, as it may lead to data inconsistencies if the user is indeed working on the data.
  
  
  
  Check for Active Sessions: Use transaction SM04 to see if the user has any active sessions that might be holding the lock. If necessary, you can log them off from the session.
  
  
  Review Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to access and modify the master data. Sometimes, authorization issues can also lead to similar error messages.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: If the problem persists, check for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that might address this specific issue. SAP Notes can provide additional insights or patches that may resolve the locking issue.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: To view and manage lock entries.
  SM04: To monitor user sessions.
  RSD1: To manage InfoObjects and their master data.
  
  
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Encourage users to properly log off or save their work to avoid leaving locks in the system.
  Regularly monitor and clean up lock entries if they are frequently causing issues.
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on master data management and locking mechanisms in SAP BW/BI.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RSDMD178 error and continue working with the master data characteristic.