How To Fix WSAM_SHMAE029 - PIPE Error

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSAM_SHMAE - Message class for SRS enhanced mat search and ATP request

• Message number: 029

• Message text: PIPE Error

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSAM_SHMAE029 - PIPE Error ?

  The SAP error message WSAM_SHMAE029 PIPE Error typically relates to issues in the communication layer of SAP, specifically involving the Shared Memory Adapter (SHMA) or inter-process communication mechanisms such as pipes.
  
  Cause
  
  PIPE Error in the context of SAP usually indicates a problem with the communication channel between SAP work processes or between SAP and external programs.
  The error can occur due to:
  
  Corrupted or full shared memory segments used by SAP for inter-process communication.
  Operating system level pipe or IPC (Inter-Process Communication) resource exhaustion or misconfiguration.
  Permission issues on the OS level preventing SAP from creating or accessing pipes.
  Network or kernel-level problems affecting the pipe communication.
  Incorrect or inconsistent SAP kernel files or patches.
  High system load or resource contention causing timeouts or failures in pipe communication.
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check System Resources:
  
  Verify that the OS has sufficient resources (memory, semaphores, pipes).
  Use OS commands to check pipe limits and usage (e.g., ipcs on Unix/Linux).
  Increase limits if necessary (e.g., kernel parameters for IPC).
  
  
  
  Restart SAP Work Processes:
  
  Sometimes, restarting the affected SAP instance or work processes clears the pipe errors.
  Use transaction SM51 to identify and restart problematic work processes.
  
  
  
  Check and Clean Shared Memory:
  
  Use OS tools to check for leftover shared memory segments and remove stale ones.
  On Unix/Linux, commands like ipcs -m and ipcrm can be used.
  
  
  
  Verify Permissions:
  
  Ensure that the SAP user has the correct permissions to create and access pipes and shared memory.
  
  
  
  Apply SAP Kernel Patches:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any kernel patches related to SHMA or PIPE errors.
  Update the SAP kernel to the latest stable version.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Logs and Dumps:
  
  Analyze developer traces (dev_w* files) and system logs for more detailed error messages.
  Use transaction ST22 for dumps related to the error.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to WSAM_SHMAE029 or PIPE errors.
  Example SAP Note numbers might be related to SHMA or IPC issues.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Shared Memory Adapter (SHMA): A component used by SAP for efficient communication between work processes.
  Pipes: A form of IPC used by SAP to transfer data between processes.
  OS-level IPC limits: These can be a common bottleneck; tuning kernel parameters like shmmax, shmall, semmsl, semopm, and pipe buffer sizes may be necessary.
  SAP Kernel: The core executable files of SAP; outdated or corrupted kernels can cause communication errors.
  Transactions to check:
  
  SM51: To monitor and manage SAP instances and work processes.
  ST22: To analyze dumps.
  SM21: System log analysis.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  IPC/pipe communication failure due to resource exhaustion, permission issues, or kernel bugs.
  
  
  Solution
  Check and increase OS IPC resources, restart SAP processes, update kernel, verify permissions.
  
  
  Related
  Shared Memory Adapter, OS IPC limits, SAP kernel patches, SAP Notes, system logs and dumps.
  
  
  
  
  If the problem persists after these steps, consider raising a support ticket with SAP, providing detailed logs and system information.