How To Fix SMMSS_ALERTS086 - This alert shows the seconds of the oldest open transaction

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SMMSS_ALERTS - Message class for MSSQL rz20 messages

• Message number: 086

• Message text: This alert shows the seconds of the oldest open transaction

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SMMSS_ALERTS086 - This alert shows the seconds of the oldest open transaction ?

  The SAP error message SMMSS_ALERTS086 indicates that there is an alert related to the duration of the oldest open transaction in the system. This alert is part of the SAP Solution Manager's monitoring capabilities, specifically related to transaction management and performance.
  Cause:
  The alert is triggered when there is a transaction that has been open for an extended period of time, which can indicate potential performance issues or deadlocks in the system. Long-running transactions can lead to resource contention, affect system performance, and may require attention to ensure that they are completed or terminated appropriately.
  Solution:
  To address the SMMSS_ALERTS086 alert, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Identify the Long-Running Transaction:
  
  Use transaction codes such as SM50 (Process Overview) or SM66 (Global Process Overview) to identify the specific transaction that is open for an extended period.
  Look for processes that are in a "Running" state and check their duration.
  
  
  
  Analyze the Transaction:
  
  Investigate the transaction to understand why it is taking a long time. This could involve checking for locks, performance bottlenecks, or issues with the underlying database.
  Use transaction ST22 to check for dumps that may have occurred during the transaction.
  
  
  
  Check for Locks:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for any locks that may be preventing the transaction from completing.
  If locks are found, determine if they can be released safely.
  
  
  
  Terminate or Complete the Transaction:
  
  If the transaction is stuck and cannot be completed, you may need to terminate it using transaction SM50 or SM66.
  Ensure that terminating the transaction will not lead to data inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Review System Performance:
  
  Check system performance metrics to identify any underlying issues that may be causing transactions to run longer than expected.
  Consider optimizing database queries, adjusting system parameters, or increasing system resources if necessary.
  
  
  
  Implement Monitoring:
  
  Set up alerts and monitoring for long-running transactions to proactively manage performance issues in the future.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or patches related to transaction performance.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on performance tuning and transaction management for best practices.
  Support: If the issue persists or is critical, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you can effectively address the SMMSS_ALERTS086 alert and improve the performance of your SAP system.