How To Fix SD638 - The document &1 (&2) is already being edited.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SD - Online doc., terminology, translation, help

• Message number: 638

• Message text: The document &1 (&2) is already being edited.

What causes this issue?

The document &v1& (&v2) is being edited by another user.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SD638 - The document &1 (&2) is already being edited. ?

  The SAP error message SD638 indicates that a document (such as a sales order, delivery, or billing document) is currently being edited by another user or session. This can happen in scenarios where multiple users are trying to access or modify the same document simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another user is currently editing the document.
  Session Lock: The document is locked due to a previous session that did not close properly.
  Background Jobs: A background job might be processing the document, causing it to be locked.
  Transaction Errors: An error in a previous transaction may have left the document in a locked state.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Document Status: Verify if another user is indeed editing the document. You can use transaction codes like SM12 (to check for locks) or SM21 (to check system logs) to see if the document is locked by another user.
  
  
  Wait and Retry: If another user is editing the document, you may need to wait until they finish and release the lock. You can communicate with the user if possible.
  
  
  Release Locks: If you find that the document is locked due to a session that is no longer active, you can manually release the lock using transaction SM12. Be cautious when doing this, as it may lead to data inconsistencies if the other user is still working on the document.
  
  
  Check Background Jobs: If a background job is processing the document, you may need to wait for it to complete. You can check background jobs using transaction SM37.
  
  
  Log Off and Log Back In: Sometimes, simply logging off and back into the SAP system can clear session-related issues.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, it may be necessary to contact your SAP support team or SAP directly for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SM12, SM21, and SM37 for monitoring locks, system logs, and background jobs.
  User Communication: Establish a protocol for users to communicate when they are working on shared documents to avoid conflicts.
  System Configuration: Review system settings related to document locking and editing to ensure they align with your organization's needs.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SD638 error and continue working with the document in question.