How To Fix WA850 - Data has been changed in the meantime - the action is canceled

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WA - Messages from Workflow Event Manager

• Message number: 850

• Message text: Data has been changed in the meantime - the action is canceled

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WA850 - Data has been changed in the meantime - the action is canceled ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation of the SAP error message WA850: "Data has been changed in the meantime - the action is canceled" including its cause, solution, and related information:
  
  SAP Error Message: WA850
  Text: Data has been changed in the meantime - the action is canceled
  
  Cause
  This error occurs when a user tries to save or update a record in SAP, but the data in the database has been modified by another user or process since it was last read by the current user. Essentially, the system detects a conflict because the data has changed between the time it was fetched and the time the user attempts to save changes.
  This is a typical concurrency control mechanism to prevent overwriting changes made by others unknowingly. It ensures data integrity by avoiding lost updates.
  Common scenarios include:
  
  Two users editing the same record simultaneously.
  Background jobs or other processes updating the data while a user is working on it.
  The user’s session has stale data due to long inactivity or delays.
  
  
  Explanation
  SAP uses optimistic locking for database updates. When a user reads data, SAP stores a version or timestamp of the data. When the user tries to save changes, SAP compares the current version in the database with the version the user originally read. If they differ, it means the data was changed by someone else, and the system throws this error to prevent overwriting.
  
  Solution
  For End Users:
  
  
  Refresh the Data:
  
  Cancel the current transaction or screen.
  Reopen or reload the data to get the latest version.
  Make your changes again and save.
  
  
  
  Coordinate with Other Users:
  
  If multiple users are working on the same data, coordinate to avoid simultaneous edits.
  
  
  
  Avoid Long Delays:
  
  Try to complete data entry and save promptly to reduce the chance of data becoming outdated.
  
  
  
  
  For Developers / Administrators:
  
  
  Check Lock Objects:
  
  Ensure proper lock objects are implemented if applicable.
  Use enqueue/dequeue mechanisms to prevent concurrent edits.
  
  
  
  Implement Conflict Handling:
  
  Provide user-friendly messages or options to reload data when conflicts occur.
  Consider implementing version checks or timestamps in custom developments.
  
  
  
  Review Custom Code:
  
  If this error occurs in custom transactions or reports, verify that the code correctly handles data consistency and locking.
  
  
  
  Database and Buffer Synchronization:
  
  In rare cases, database inconsistencies or buffer issues might cause this error. Check system logs and perform database consistency checks if needed.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Message Class: WA8 (Work Area Messages)
  Transaction Codes: Can occur in many transactions where data is updated, e.g., VA02 (Change Sales Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), etc.
  SAP Notes: Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to WA850 for specific module or scenario fixes.
  Optimistic Locking: This error is a classic example of optimistic locking conflict in SAP.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Data was changed by another user/process after you read it but before you saved changes.
  
  
  Effect
  SAP cancels the save/update to prevent overwriting others' changes.
  
  
  Solution
  Refresh data, coordinate edits, avoid long delays, and ensure proper locking mechanisms.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific transaction or module where you encounter this error, I can help with more tailored advice.