How To Fix WRF_ARTICLELIST020 - Object buffering: Lock error

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_ARTICLELIST - Mesage Class of Material List

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Object buffering: Lock error

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_ARTICLELIST020 - Object buffering: Lock error ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WRF_ARTICLELIST020 Object buffering: Lock error
  
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs in the context of object buffering in SAP, especially when working with IS-Retail or similar modules where article master data is buffered for performance reasons.
  
  Object buffering is a mechanism where SAP buffers entire business objects (like articles) in the application server memory to reduce database access.
  The lock error indicates that the system tried to access or update a buffered object but encountered a lock conflict.
  This usually happens when:
  
  Another user or process holds a lock on the same object.
  The lock was not properly released due to a previous error or system crash.
  There is a deadlock or contention on the buffered object.
  Buffer inconsistencies or stale locks exist.
  
  
  
  
  Explanation:
  
  When an object is buffered, SAP uses enqueue locks to ensure data consistency.
  If a process tries to access an object that is currently locked by another process, the system throws a lock error.
  In the context of article master data, this can happen during mass changes, replication, or simultaneous updates.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check for Active Locks:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for locks on the object (e.g., article master).
  Identify if there are any stale or long-held locks.
  If safe, delete the locks manually from SM12.
  
  
  
  Buffer Synchronization:
  
  Sometimes the buffer gets out of sync.
  Use transaction SOBJ to manage object buffering.
  You can try to refresh or reset the buffer for the affected object type.
  
  
  
  Review and Adjust Lock Handling:
  
  Check the program or process that is causing the lock.
  Avoid long-running transactions that hold locks unnecessarily.
  Implement proper error handling to ensure locks are released.
  
  
  
  System Restart / Work Process Reset:
  
  In some cases, restarting the application server or work processes can clear stale locks.
  
  
  
  Check OSS Notes:
  
  Search SAP OSS Notes for any known bugs or patches related to WRF_ARTICLELIST020 or object buffering lock errors.
  Apply relevant support packages or patches.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If the problem persists, debugging the program that triggers the error can help identify why the lock is not released or why contention occurs.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction SM12: Display and delete lock entries.
  Transaction SOBJ: Object buffering administration.
  Object Buffering: SAP documentation on object buffering explains how business objects are buffered and locked.
  IS-Retail Article Master: Article master data buffering is common in IS-Retail; ensure proper configuration.
  SAP Notes: Search for notes related to object buffering and lock errors.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Lock conflict on buffered business object (article master), due to concurrent access or stale locks.
  
  
  Solution
  Check and delete locks in SM12, refresh/reset buffer in SOBJ, avoid long locks, apply OSS notes, restart system if needed.
  
  
  Related Info
  Transactions SM12, SOBJ; IS-Retail article master buffering; SAP OSS Notes on object buffering and lock errors.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (module, transaction, scenario), I can help with more specific guidance.