How To Fix WF007 - Process is locked by another agent/session

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WF - Workflow: messages

• Message number: 007

• Message text: Process is locked by another agent/session

What causes this issue?

An instance cannot be processed in more than one session at the same
time.

System Response

The system has rejected a second access.

How to fix this error?

Try the action again later or inform agent &V1& who has locked the
instance so that they can release it.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF007 - Process is locked by another agent/session ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WF007: Process is locked by another agent/session
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when a workflow process instance is currently locked by another user or session. SAP workflow uses locks to ensure data consistency and prevent simultaneous changes to the same workflow instance. If a user or system tries to access or modify a workflow instance that is already locked by another user/session, the system throws the WF007 error.
  Typical scenarios causing this error include:  
  
  Another user is currently editing or processing the same workflow instance.  
  A previous session did not release the lock properly (e.g., due to a session timeout or crash).  
  Background jobs or automated agents are processing the workflow instance simultaneously.  
  Deadlocks or long-running transactions holding the lock.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the Lock Owner:
  
  Use transaction SM12 (Lock Entries) to check which user/session holds the lock on the workflow instance.  
  
  Enter the object type related to workflow locks (e.g., SWWWIHEAD for workflow work item header).  
  Find the lock entry for the specific workflow instance number.
  
  
  
  Wait or Coordinate:
  
  If another user is legitimately working on the workflow, wait until they finish and release the lock.
  
  
  Manually Remove the Lock (with caution):
  
  If the lock is orphaned (e.g., due to a crashed session), you can delete the lock entry in SM12.  
  
  Only do this if you are sure no one else is working on the workflow instance.  
  Removing locks improperly can cause inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Check for Long-Running or Stuck Workflow Tasks:  
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWIA to monitor workflow tasks.  
  Identify if any tasks are stuck or running for an unusually long time.
  
  
  
  Restart Workflow Runtime (if needed):
  
  In rare cases, restarting the workflow runtime or related background jobs can help clear locks.
  
  
  Review Custom Code or Enhancements:
  
  If custom workflow logic or user-exits are involved, ensure they do not cause unnecessary locks or fail to release locks properly.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Lock Object: Workflow instances are locked using lock object SWWWIHEAD or related objects.  
  Transactions:  
  
  SM12: Display and delete lock entries.  
  SWI1: Workflow log and monitoring.  
  SWIA: Work item administration.  
  SWU3: Workflow customizing and consistency check.  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known bugs or patches related to workflow locking issues.  
  Best Practices:  
  
  Avoid long-running transactions that hold workflow locks.  
  Ensure proper error handling in workflow user-exits to release locks.  
  Educate users to properly complete or cancel workflow tasks.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Workflow instance locked by another user/session; concurrent access conflict.
  
  
  Solution
  Check and remove locks in SM12 if orphaned; wait for other user; monitor workflow tasks.
  
  
  Related
  Lock object SWWWIHEAD, transactions SM12, SWI1, SWIA; SAP Notes for workflow locking.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with specific steps or further troubleshooting, please provide details such as workflow instance number, user IDs involved, or system logs.