How To Fix WL737 - Work item currently locked by user '&'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WL - Workflow: run-time messages

• Message number: 737

• Message text: Work item currently locked by user '&'

What causes this issue?

The work item is currently locked by another user.

System Response

It is not possible to change the work item. The work item is not
changed.

How to fix this error?

The work item can be changed at a later point in time.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL737 - Work item currently locked by user '&' ?

  The SAP error message WL737 indicates that a work item is currently locked by another user. This typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow, where multiple users may be trying to access or process the same work item simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Access: Another user is currently processing the work item, which locks it for other users to prevent data inconsistencies.
  Session Timeout: The user who locked the work item may have left the session open, causing the lock to persist.
  System Error: Occasionally, system errors or issues with the workflow configuration can lead to unexpected locks.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: The simplest solution is to wait for the other user to complete their processing of the work item and then try again.
  Identify the Locking User: You can identify the user who has locked the work item by checking the workflow log or using transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Overview).
  Unlock the Work Item: If necessary, a system administrator can unlock the work item using transaction code SM12 (Lock Entries). However, this should be done with caution to avoid data inconsistencies.
  Check for Long-Running Processes: If the locking user is not actively working on the item, check if there are long-running processes or sessions that need to be addressed.
  Review Workflow Configuration: If this issue occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the workflow configuration to ensure that it is set up correctly and that locking mechanisms are functioning as intended.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ: Work Item Overview
  SM12: Lock Entries
  
  
  Workflow Monitoring: Use transaction SWI6 to monitor workflow instances and their statuses.
  User Communication: If you are in a team environment, communicate with the user who has locked the work item to coordinate access.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on workflow management and locking mechanisms.
  
  If the problem persists or if you encounter additional issues, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or Workflow team for further investigation.