How To Fix SOS_TRANSACTION120 - Transaction not closed - only possible using external COMMIT WORK

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SOS_TRANSACTION - Transaction Service Messages

• Message number: 120

• Message text: Transaction not closed - only possible using external COMMIT WORK

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SOS_TRANSACTION120 - Transaction not closed - only possible using external COMMIT WORK ?

  The SAP error message SOS_TRANSACTION120 indicates that a transaction has not been properly closed, and it can only be completed using an external COMMIT WORK statement. This error typically arises in the context of ABAP programming when a transaction is left open, which can lead to inconsistencies in the database or application state.
  Cause:
  
  Unclosed Transaction: The most common cause of this error is that a transaction was started (using START TRANSACTION or similar) but was not properly closed with a COMMIT WORK or ROLLBACK WORK.
  Nested Transactions: If you are working with nested transactions, the outer transaction may not have been committed or rolled back properly.
  Error Handling: If an error occurs during the execution of a transaction and it is not handled correctly, the transaction may remain open.
  Asynchronous Processing: If the transaction is being processed asynchronously, it may not be closed in the expected sequence.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Transaction Logic: Review the ABAP code to ensure that every transaction that is started is also properly closed with either COMMIT WORK or ROLLBACK WORK.
  Error Handling: Implement proper error handling to ensure that if an error occurs, the transaction is rolled back to maintain data integrity.
  Use COMMIT WORK: If you are sure that the transaction should be committed, you can explicitly call COMMIT WORK to close the transaction.
  Debugging: Use debugging tools to trace the execution of the program and identify where the transaction is not being closed.
  Review Asynchronous Calls: If the transaction is part of an asynchronous process, ensure that the logic for handling the completion of the transaction is correctly implemented.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Management: Understanding how transaction management works in SAP ABAP is crucial. Transactions should be managed carefully to ensure data consistency.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation on transaction handling and error messages for more detailed guidance.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to this error message or provide patches or updates.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels for additional insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SOS_TRANSACTION120 error and ensure that your transactions are managed correctly in your SAP environment.