How To Fix WRF_CHAR_VAL002 - Characteristic &1 is already being processed by &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_CHAR_VAL - Messages for Package WRF_CHARACTERISTIC_VALUE_GRP

• Message number: 002

• Message text: Characteristic &1 is already being processed by &2

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_CHAR_VAL002 - Characteristic &1 is already being processed by &2 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WRF_CHAR_VAL002: Characteristic &1 is already being processed by &2
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This error occurs when a characteristic (denoted by &1) is currently being processed or locked by another user or process (denoted by &2). In SAP Variant Configuration or Classification, characteristics are often locked during processing to prevent simultaneous changes that could lead to data inconsistencies.
  
  Characteristic &1: The characteristic that is currently locked.
  &2: The user or process ID that holds the lock on the characteristic.
  
  This typically happens in scenarios such as:
  
  Multiple users trying to change or maintain the same characteristic simultaneously.
  Background jobs or batch processes running that lock the characteristic.
  Incomplete or stuck processes that did not release the lock properly.
  
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During classification or variant configuration when maintaining characteristics.
  While running batch jobs or mass changes on characteristics.
  When trying to change or delete a characteristic that is locked by another user/process.
  
  
  Solution / How to resolve:
  
  
  Identify the user/process holding the lock:
  
  The message shows the user/process (&2) currently processing the characteristic.
  You can check locks using transaction SM12 (Lock Entries).
  
  Search for lock entries related to the characteristic or the user mentioned.
  
  
  
  
  
  Communicate with the user/process:
  
  If the lock is held by another user, contact them to finish their work and release the lock.
  If it is a background job, wait for it to complete or consider stopping it if appropriate.
  
  
  
  Manually delete the lock (if safe):
  
  If the lock is stale (e.g., user logged off unexpectedly), you can delete the lock entry in SM12.
  Be cautious: deleting locks can cause data inconsistencies if the process is still active.
  
  
  
  Check for stuck or incomplete processes:
  
  Sometimes, processes may hang and not release locks.
  Restart or cancel such processes if possible.
  
  
  
  Review custom code or enhancements:
  
  If this happens frequently, check if any custom code or user-exits are causing locks to be held longer than necessary.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction SM12: To monitor and manage lock entries.
  Variant Configuration (VC): Characteristics locking is common in VC scenarios.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP OSS notes for any known bugs or patches related to this error.
  Lock Mechanism: SAP uses enqueue/dequeue mechanisms to lock objects during processing.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  Characteristic &1 is already being processed by &2
  
  
  Cause
  Characteristic locked by another user/process
  
  
  Solution
  Identify and release the lock via SM12, communicate with user, or delete stale locks
  
  
  Tools
  SM12 (Lock Entries), SAP Notes, Variant Configuration transactions
  
  
  Precautions
  Avoid deleting locks if process is active to prevent data inconsistencies
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with specific steps in SM12 or further troubleshooting, feel free to ask!