How To Fix /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_BL071 - Synchronization failed. An import is already in progress initiated by &1.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_BL -

• Message number: 071

• Message text: Synchronization failed. An import is already in progress initiated by &1.

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_BL071 - Synchronization failed. An import is already in progress initiated by &1. ?

  The SAP error message /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_BL071 Synchronization failed. An import is already in progress initiated by &1. typically indicates that there is an ongoing import process for employee data, and a new synchronization attempt cannot proceed until the current import is completed. This error is often encountered in the context of SAP HCM (Human Capital Management) when dealing with employee data synchronization between different systems or modules.
  Cause:
  
  
  Concurrent Import Processes: The most common cause of this error is that there is already an import process running, which prevents another import from starting. This can happen if:
  
  A previous import process has not yet completed.
  A long-running import is still in progress.
  A system or user error has caused the import to hang.
  
  
  
  System Locking: The system may have locking mechanisms in place to prevent data inconsistencies, which can lead to this error if another process is trying to access the same data.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Running Processes: 
  
  Use transaction codes like SM37 (Job Monitoring) to check for any running background jobs related to employee data import. Look for jobs that might be stuck or taking longer than expected.
  If you find a job that is still running, you may need to wait for it to complete or, if necessary, terminate it if it is stuck.
  
  
  
  Monitor System Logs: 
  
  Check the system logs (transaction SLG1) for any related error messages or warnings that might provide more context about the ongoing import process.
  
  
  
  Restart the Import: 
  
  Once you have confirmed that no other import processes are running, you can attempt to restart the synchronization process.
  
  
  
  Consult with Basis Team: 
  
  If the issue persists, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis team to investigate any underlying system issues or to check for locks that may not be visible through standard monitoring tools.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration: 
  
  Ensure that the configuration for the synchronization process is set up correctly and that there are no issues with the data being imported.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for /SHCM and employee synchronization processes for more detailed information on how these processes work.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address known issues or provide patches related to this error message.
  User Permissions: Ensure that the user initiating the import has the necessary permissions to perform the synchronization.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the synchronization error and successfully complete the import process.