How To Fix SO809 - Substitute list of <&> already being processed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SO - SAPoffice: message texts

• Message number: 809

• Message text: Substitute list of <&> already being processed

What causes this issue?

The substitute list of & is already being processed by another user and
is therefore locked.

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 SO809 - Substitute list of <&> already being processed ?

  The SAP error message SO809, which states "Substitute list of <&> already being processed," typically occurs when there is an attempt to process a substitute list that is already being handled in the system. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when multiple users or processes are trying to access or modify the same substitute list simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Processing: The most common cause is that the substitute list is already being processed by another user or transaction. SAP does not allow multiple processes to modify the same data simultaneously to maintain data integrity.
  Locking Mechanism: SAP uses a locking mechanism to prevent data inconsistencies. If a user is editing or processing a substitute list, it will lock that list for other users until the process is completed.
  Long-running Transactions: If a transaction takes too long to complete, it may lead to other users encountering this error while trying to access the same substitute list.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: If you encounter this error, the simplest solution is to wait for a few moments and then try to access the substitute list again. The lock may be released once the other process is completed.
  Identify the Lock: If the issue persists, you can use transaction codes like SM12 (to view and manage locks) to identify which user or process is holding the lock on the substitute list. You can then communicate with that user to resolve the issue.
  Check for Long-running Processes: If a specific transaction is taking too long, investigate why it is slow. It may require optimization or troubleshooting.
  System Administrator Intervention: If necessary, a system administrator can manually release the lock, but this should be done with caution to avoid data inconsistencies.
  Review User Permissions: Ensure that users have the appropriate permissions and that there are no conflicts in the roles assigned to them that might lead to simultaneous access issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SM12 (to check locks), SM21 (to view system logs), and ST22 (to check for dumps) for troubleshooting.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to substitute lists and their processing to understand the expected behavior and any limitations.
  
  If the problem continues after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP's official support channels for further assistance.