How To Fix WS031 - Document & is currently being processed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 031

• Message text: Document & is currently being processed

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 WS031 - Document & is currently being processed ?

  The SAP error message WS031: "Document & is currently being processed" typically occurs when a user tries to process or post a document that is already locked or being processed by another user or session. This message is a lock-related error indicating that the document is currently "in use" and cannot be changed or posted again until the lock is released.
  
  Cause:
  
  The document you are trying to process is currently locked by another user or session.
  The lock is set because the document is being edited, posted, or processed.
  Sometimes, a previous session might have ended abnormally, leaving the lock active.
  Background jobs or batch processes might be processing the document at the same time.
  Network or system issues causing locks not to be released properly.
  
  
  Explanation:
  SAP uses a lock mechanism to prevent data inconsistencies by ensuring that only one user or process can change a document at a time. When a document is locked, other users attempting to access or modify it will receive this message.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Wait and Retry:
  
  If another user or process is legitimately working on the document, wait until they finish and the lock is released.
  
  
  
  Check Lock Entries:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for lock entries on the document.
  Enter the relevant object (e.g., document number) or user name to find the lock.
  
  
  
  Release Lock Manually (if safe):
  
  If you confirm that the lock is obsolete (e.g., the user has logged off or the process ended abnormally), you can delete the lock entry in SM12.
  Be cautious: deleting locks can cause data inconsistencies if the document is actually being processed.
  
  
  
  Check for Background Jobs:
  
  Verify if any batch jobs or background processes are working on the document.
  Wait for the job to complete or coordinate with the job owner.
  
  
  
  System Restart (last resort):
  
  If locks persist due to system issues, a system restart might be necessary (usually done by BASIS team).
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction SM12: Display and manage lock entries.
  Lock Objects: SAP uses lock objects to lock business data; understanding which lock object is used for the document can help.
  User Sessions: Check if the user who locked the document is still logged in.
  SAP Notes: Sometimes SAP releases notes related to specific locking issues or bugs.
  Error Message Class: WS (Workflow or Document processing related messages).
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error Message
  WS031: Document & is currently being processed
  
  
  Cause
  Document locked by another user/process
  
  
  Solution
  Wait, check and delete lock in SM12 if safe, coordinate with users, check background jobs
  
  
  Tools
  SM12 (Lock entries), SM37 (Job monitoring)
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific document type or transaction where this occurs, I can give more tailored advice.