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How To Fix W/191 - Material &3 (distr. ch. &1 &2) is being processsed by user &4


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: W/ -

  • Message number: 191

  • Message text: Material &3 (distr. ch. &1 &2) is being processsed by user &4

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  • 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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W/191 - Material &3 (distr. ch. &1 &2) is being processsed by user &4 ?

    Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP warning message:


    SAP Message:

    W/191 Material &3 (distr. ch. &1 &2) is being processed by user &4


    Meaning / Cause:

    This warning message indicates that the material (identified by &3) in the specified distribution channel (&1) and division (&2) is currently being processed or locked by another user (&4). This typically happens when a user tries to access or modify material master data that is already locked by another user to prevent data inconsistencies or conflicts.

    In SAP, when a user edits material master data, the system locks the record to ensure data integrity. If another user attempts to access the same material in the same distribution channel and division, this warning is triggered.


    Cause Summary:

    • The material master record for the specified distribution channel and division is locked.
    • Another user (&4) is currently editing or processing this material.
    • The system prevents simultaneous changes to avoid data conflicts.

    Solution / How to Resolve:

    1. Wait and Retry:
      The simplest approach is to wait until the other user finishes processing and releases the lock. After that, you can try again.

    2. Contact the User:
      If urgent, contact the user (&4) who is processing the material to check if they can finish or release the lock.

    3. Check and Release Lock (if necessary and authorized):

      • Use transaction SM12 to check for lock entries on the material master record.
      • If you have authorization and are sure the lock is obsolete (e.g., the user has left the system or the session is inactive), you can delete the lock entry to release it.
      • Caution: Deleting locks can cause data inconsistencies if the other user is still actively working.
    4. Avoid Simultaneous Editing:
      Plan and coordinate material master data changes to avoid simultaneous editing by multiple users.


    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes:
      • MM02 – Change Material Master
      • SM12 – Display and delete lock entries
    • Lock Objects:
      • Material master data locks are managed by lock objects such as MATERIAL or MATERIAL_DISTR_CHAN.
    • SAP Notes:
      Check SAP Notes related to material master locks if you encounter frequent locking issues.

    Summary:

    Aspect Details
    Message Material &3 (distr. ch. &1 &2) is being processed by user &4
    Cause Material master record locked by another user
    Solution Wait, contact user, or release lock via SM12 if authorized
    Related Tcodes MM02, SM12

    If you need help with the exact steps to check or delete locks in SM12, let me know!

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