How To Fix W-117 - Supplier is locked by user &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W- -

• Message number: 117

• Message text: Supplier is locked by user &

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W-117 - Supplier is locked by user & ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W-117 Supplier is locked by user &
  
  Cause:
  This warning message indicates that the supplier master record you are trying to access or modify is currently locked by another user. SAP locks master data records to prevent simultaneous changes that could lead to data inconsistencies. The lock is usually set when a user is editing the supplier master data (e.g., in transaction XK02, FK02, or MK02).
  The placeholder "&" in the message typically shows the user ID of the person who currently holds the lock.
  
  Explanation:
  
  When a user opens a supplier master record for editing, SAP places a lock on that record.
  If another user tries to access or change the same supplier record at the same time, SAP issues this warning to prevent conflicting changes.
  The lock is released when the first user saves or cancels their changes or exits the transaction.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check who holds the lock:
  
  The message shows the user ID holding the lock (in place of "&").
  Contact that user to check if they are still working on the supplier record.
  
  
  
  Wait or ask the user to release the lock:
  
  If the user is actively working, wait until they finish and release the lock.
  If the user has left the session open or the lock is stale, ask them to exit the transaction or log off.
  
  
  
  Manually remove the lock (if necessary and authorized):
  
  If the lock is stale (e.g., user session crashed), a system administrator can remove the lock.
  Use transaction SM12 (Lock Entries) to find and delete the lock entry for the supplier master record.
  
  In SM12, enter the user ID or the object name related to supplier master data (e.g., EKKO, LFA1).
  Select the lock entry and delete it.
  
  
  Caution: Deleting locks manually should be done carefully to avoid data inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Retry the operation:
  
  After the lock is released or removed, try to access or modify the supplier master record again.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transactions involved:  
  
  Supplier master maintenance: XK01 (Create), XK02 (Change), XK03 (Display)  
  Vendor master in FI: FK01, FK02, FK03  
  Vendor master in MM: MK01, MK02, MK03
  
  
  
  Lock objects:  
  
  Supplier master data is locked using lock objects like EINKBELEG or LFA1 depending on the module.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:  
  
  If locks frequently cause issues, check for SAP Notes related to lock management or system performance.
  
  
  
  Best Practices:  
  
  Avoid keeping supplier master records open for long periods.  
  Communicate with team members when working on shared master data.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Supplier master record is locked by another user to prevent simultaneous edits.
  
  
  Solution
  Wait for the user to finish, contact them, or remove the lock via SM12 if authorized.
  
  
  Related
  Transactions XK02, FK02, MK02; Lock object LFA1; Use SM12 to manage locks.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with the exact steps in SM12 or further troubleshooting, feel free to ask!