How To Fix W5138 - Other error has occurred during release

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W5 - Messages for MM-WEB Applications and BAPIs

• Message number: 138

• Message text: Other error has occurred during release

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W5138 - Other error has occurred during release ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W5138 - Other error has occurred during release
  
  Cause:
  The error message W5138 typically occurs during the release (approval) process of a document or transaction in SAP, such as a purchase requisition, purchase order, or workflow-related release. The message "Other error has occurred during release" is a generic error indicating that the system encountered an unexpected problem while trying to process the release step.
  Common causes include:
  
  Authorization issues: The user attempting the release does not have the required authorization.
  Workflow errors: Problems in the release workflow, such as missing or incorrect workflow configuration.
  Custom code or user-exits: Custom enhancements or user-exits that are triggered during release may cause errors.
  Data inconsistencies: The document or object being released has inconsistent or incomplete data.
  System or interface errors: Communication problems with external systems or background jobs failing.
  Locking issues: The document is locked by another user or process.
  Release strategy configuration errors: Incorrect or incomplete release strategy setup.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Authorization:
  
  Verify that the user has the necessary release authorizations (e.g., release codes, roles).
  Use transaction SU53 immediately after the error to check for missing authorizations.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Logs:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWIA to check workflow logs related to the release.
  Look for error messages or stuck workflow steps.
  
  
  
  Analyze Short Dumps:
  
  Check for any ABAP short dumps in transaction ST22 that occurred at the time of the release attempt.
  Analyze the dump to identify the root cause.
  
  
  
  Check Release Strategy Configuration:
  
  Review the release strategy setup in customizing (e.g., transaction SPRO ? Materials Management ? Purchasing ? Purchase Requisition ? Release Procedure).
  Ensure all conditions and release codes are correctly maintained.
  
  
  
  Check Document Data:
  
  Verify that the document to be released is complete and consistent.
  Look for missing mandatory fields or invalid data.
  
  
  
  Check for Locks:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check if the document is locked.
  If locked, determine the locking user and resolve the lock.
  
  
  
  Debug or Review Custom Code:
  
  If custom user-exits or BAdIs are implemented in the release process, review or debug them.
  Temporarily disable custom code to see if the error persists.
  
  
  
  System Logs and Background Jobs:
  
  Check system logs (transaction SM21) for related errors.
  Verify if any background jobs related to release are failing.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  ME54N – Release Purchase Requisition
  ME28 – Release Purchase Order
  SWI1 / SWIA – Workflow logs
  ST22 – ABAP short dumps
  SM12 – Lock entries
  SU53 – Authorization check
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to error W5138 or release errors.
  Sometimes specific SAP Notes address known bugs or provide patches.
  
  
  
  Release Strategy:
  
  The release strategy is a key component in controlling document approvals.
  Misconfiguration or missing release codes can cause errors.
  
  
  
  User Roles and Authorizations:
  
  Ensure users have the correct roles assigned for release activities.
  Missing authorizations are a frequent cause of release errors.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Authorization issues, workflow errors, data inconsistencies, custom code errors, locks.
  
  
  Solution
  Check authorizations, workflow logs, short dumps, release strategy, document data, locks.
  
  
  Tools/Txns
  SU53, SWI1, SWIA, ST22, SM12, ME54N, ME28
  
  
  Additional
  Review custom code, check SAP Notes, verify system logs and background jobs.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., transaction used, document type, system logs), I can help narrow down the cause and solution further.