How To Fix WRB018 - Lock error for material &1: item status changed from A to B

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRB - Messages for Revaluation at Retail via BAPIs

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Lock error for material &1: item status changed from A to B

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRB018 - Lock error for material &1: item status changed from A to B ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WRB018 Lock error for material &1: item status changed from A to B
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when there is a lock conflict on a material master record during a status change operation. Specifically, the system tries to change the item status of a material from status A to status B, but the material is currently locked by another user or process. This lock prevents the status update from being completed.
  Locks in SAP are used to ensure data consistency and prevent simultaneous conflicting changes. When one user or process holds a lock on a material master record, other users/processes cannot update the same record until the lock is released.
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  Two users/processes trying to change the material master data simultaneously.
  Background jobs or batch processes running that lock the material.
  Long-running transactions or incomplete updates that hold locks.
  Custom programs or enhancements that lock material master records.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the Lock Holder:
  
  Use transaction SM12 (Lock Entries) to check which user or process holds the lock on the material.
  Enter the material number or relevant key fields to filter the lock entries.
  
  
  
  Wait or Communicate:
  
  If the lock is held by another user, coordinate with them to complete or release their transaction.
  If the lock is held by a background job, wait for it to finish.
  
  
  
  Manually Delete Lock (if appropriate):
  
  If the lock is stale (e.g., due to a crashed session), and you have authorization, you can delete the lock entry in SM12.
  Be cautious: deleting locks can cause data inconsistencies if the original transaction is still active.
  
  
  
  Check for Long-Running or Stuck Processes:
  
  Investigate if any batch jobs or custom programs are causing locks.
  Optimize or reschedule such jobs to avoid conflicts.
  
  
  
  Retry the Operation:
  
  After the lock is released, retry the status change operation.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction SM12: To monitor and manage lock entries.
  Material Master Transactions: Changes to material status often happen in transactions like MM02 (Change Material).
  Lock Mechanism: SAP uses enqueue/dequeue mechanisms to lock objects.
  Custom Enhancements: Check if any user exits or BAdIs are involved in material status changes that might cause locks.
  SAP Notes: Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to WRB018 for any patches or known issues.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Lock conflict on material master record during status change.
  Solution: Identify and release the lock via SM12, coordinate with users/processes, then retry.
  Prevention: Avoid simultaneous updates, monitor batch jobs, and handle locks properly.
  
  
  If you need help with specific steps in SM12 or further troubleshooting, feel free to ask!