How To Fix WS867 - Partner & & locked for process & by user &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 867

• Message text: Partner & & locked for process & by user &

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS867 - Partner & & locked for process & by user & ?

  The SAP error message:
  WS867: Partner & & locked for process & by user &
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This message indicates that the partner (e.g., a business partner, vendor, customer, or another object) is currently locked by another user or process for a specific operation. The placeholders (&) in the message are replaced at runtime with actual values such as the partner ID, the process name, and the user who holds the lock.
  In other words, the system prevents simultaneous changes or processing on the same partner record to avoid data inconsistencies or conflicts. The lock is typically set when a user or a background job is editing or processing the partner data.
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  Another user is currently editing the partner master data.
  A background job or batch process is running that involves the partner.
  A previous process did not release the lock properly due to an error or system crash.
  The lock is held by a dialog or update task that is still active.
  
  
  Solution / How to Resolve:
  
  
  Identify the user/process holding the lock:
  
  The message usually shows the user name who holds the lock.
  You can also check lock entries using transaction SM12.
  
  In SM12, search for lock entries related to the partner object or the relevant table (e.g., BUT000 for business partners).
  
  
  
  
  
  Contact the user:
  
  If the lock is held by another user, ask them to finish their work and exit the transaction to release the lock.
  
  
  
  Wait for background jobs to complete:
  
  If a batch job or background process is running, wait until it finishes.
  
  
  
  Manually delete the lock (with caution):
  
  If the lock is stale (e.g., due to a system crash or user session timeout), and you have confirmed that no process is actively working on the partner, you can delete the lock entry in SM12.
  Be very careful when deleting locks to avoid data inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Check for long-running or stuck processes:
  
  Use transaction SM50 or SM66 to check for active processes that might be holding the lock.
  If necessary, terminate stuck processes after proper analysis.
  
  
  
  Review custom code or enhancements:
  
  If this error occurs frequently, check if any custom code or user exits are locking the partner and not releasing the lock properly.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Lock Objects: SAP uses lock objects to synchronize access to data. For business partners, lock objects like BUP000 or similar are used.
  Transaction SM12: To monitor and manage lock entries.
  Transaction SM50 / SM66: To monitor work processes and active users.
  Partner Master Data Tables: For example, BUT000 (Business Partner: General Data).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP OSS notes for any known issues related to partner locking in your SAP version.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Partner record is locked by another user/process.
  Solution: Identify and wait for or contact the locking user/process; if necessary, delete stale locks via SM12.
  Prevention: Ensure proper session handling and process completion to avoid stale locks.
  
  
  If you provide the exact partner ID, process name, or user from the message, I can help you with more specific steps.