How To Fix VIRT189 - Memory Bottleneck Indicator

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VIRT - Virtualization Monitoring

• Message number: 189

• Message text: Memory Bottleneck Indicator

What causes this issue?

Indicator for Memory health of virtual machine
value range from 0-10: with increasing value, the state is more critical
0,1,2,3,4,5: status green
6,7: status yellow
8,9,10: status red

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VIRT189 - Memory Bottleneck Indicator ?

  The SAP error message VIRT189, which indicates a "Memory Bottleneck Indicator," typically arises when the SAP system is experiencing memory constraints that can affect performance. This can occur in various scenarios, such as when the available memory is insufficient for the workload, or when there are configuration issues.
  Causes of VIRT189 Memory Bottleneck Indicator
  
  
  Insufficient Memory Allocation: The SAP instance may not have enough memory allocated to handle the current workload, especially during peak usage times.
  
  
  High Workload: An increase in user activity or background jobs can lead to higher memory consumption, resulting in a bottleneck.
  
  
  Memory Leaks: Certain applications or processes may have memory leaks, causing them to consume more memory over time without releasing it.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration settings in the SAP system or the underlying database can lead to inefficient memory usage.
  
  
  Hardware Limitations: The physical server may not have enough RAM to support the SAP instance's requirements.
  
  
  Solutions to Address VIRT189
  
  
  Increase Memory Allocation:
  
  Review and adjust the memory settings in the SAP profile parameters (e.g., abap/heap_area_total, abap/heap_area_dia, abap/heap_area_nondia).
  Consider increasing the total memory allocated to the SAP instance if the hardware allows.
  
  
  
  Optimize Workload:
  
  Analyze the workload and identify any long-running or resource-intensive processes that can be optimized or scheduled during off-peak hours.
  
  
  
  Monitor and Identify Memory Leaks:
  
  Use transaction codes like ST02 (Tune Summary) and ST04 (Database Performance) to monitor memory usage and identify potential leaks.
  Investigate specific transactions or programs that may be consuming excessive memory.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings:
  
  Check the configuration of the SAP system and the database to ensure optimal memory usage.
  Consult SAP notes and documentation for recommended settings based on your specific version and workload.
  
  
  
  Upgrade Hardware:
  
  If the current hardware is insufficient, consider upgrading the server's RAM or moving to a more powerful server.
  
  
  
  Use SAP Tools:
  
  Utilize SAP's performance analysis tools, such as the SAP EarlyWatch Alert, to get insights into system performance and memory usage.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Notes: Check for relevant SAP Notes that may provide specific guidance or patches related to memory management and performance issues.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have implemented.
  Performance Monitoring: Regularly monitor system performance and memory usage to proactively address potential bottlenecks before they impact users.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can mitigate the impact of the VIRT189 Memory Bottleneck Indicator and improve the overall performance of your SAP system.