How To Fix WSUBST009 - At least one worklist item is locked by user &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSUBST - Substitution Article Handling

• Message number: 009

• Message text: At least one worklist item is locked by user &1

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSUBST009 - At least one worklist item is locked by user &1 ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WSUBST009: "At least one worklist item is locked by user &1":
  
  Error Message
  WSUBST009
  
  At least one worklist item is locked by user &1
  
  Cause
  This error occurs when you try to process or change a worklist item (such as a workflow task or a work item) that is currently locked by another user. In SAP Workflow or worklist processing, when a user opens or edits a worklist item, the system locks it to prevent simultaneous changes by multiple users. If you attempt to access or modify the same item while it is locked, the system throws this error.
  The placeholder &1 in the message is replaced by the username of the user who currently holds the lock.
  
  When does it typically occur?
  
  When a workflow task or worklist item is being processed by another user.
  When a user has opened a worklist item but did not complete or release it properly.
  When a worklist item is locked due to a system or network issue, and the lock was not released.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Identify the user holding the lock:
  
  The message shows the username (&1) who currently has the lock. Contact that user to check if they are still working on the item.
  
  
  Wait for the lock to be released:
  
  If the user is actively working on the item, wait until they finish and release the lock.
  
  
  Ask the user to release the lock:
  
  The user holding the lock can:
  
  Complete or cancel the processing of the worklist item.
  Close the transaction or worklist item properly to release the lock.
  
  
  
  Administrator intervention (if necessary):
  
  If the user is not available or the lock is stale (e.g., due to a session crash), an administrator can:
  
  Use transaction SWWL (Worklist) or SWI1 (Selection of Work Items) to find and manage work items.
  Use transaction SM12 to check for and delete lock entries related to the worklist item (be very careful with this).
  Use transaction SWUS to reset workflow tasks or unlock work items.
  Restart the workflow or system if locks are not released due to system issues.
  
  
  
  Check for system or network issues:
  
  Sometimes locks remain due to network interruptions or system crashes. Ensure the system is stable and users log off properly.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1 – Display Work Items
  SWI2_FREQ – Work Item Analysis
  SWUS – Workflow User Support (unlock work items)
  SM12 – Display and delete lock entries
  SWIA – Work Item Administration
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to workflow locking issues if the problem persists or occurs frequently.
  
  
  Workflow Locking Mechanism:
  
  SAP workflow locks worklist items to ensure data consistency and prevent concurrent processing conflicts.
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Worklist item is locked by another user (&1) to prevent concurrent changes.
  
  
  Solution
  Contact the locking user to release the lock, or have an admin unlock the item if necessary.
  
  
  Tools
  SWI1, SWWL, SWUS, SM12 for monitoring and managing locks.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with specific steps to unlock or manage the worklist items, please provide more details about your SAP system version and the workflow scenario.