C2188 - Initiating object record &1 is locked by user &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: C2 - Other messages production orders

• Message number: 188

• Message text: Initiating object record &1 is locked by user &2

What causes this issue?

Initiating object &V1& is locked by user &V2&. The related procurement
elements cannot searched for.

How to fix this error?

You should try again later.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message C2188 - Initiating object record &1 is locked by user &2 ?

  The SAP error message C2188 indicates that an attempt to initiate an object record (such as a material, vendor, or customer record) has failed because the record is currently locked by another user. This typically occurs in scenarios where multiple users are trying to access or modify the same object simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  Record Locking: SAP uses a locking mechanism to prevent data inconsistencies. When a user is editing an object, it gets locked to ensure that no other user can make changes until the first user has finished.
  Long Transactions: If a user has a long-running transaction, the object may remain locked for an extended period.
  Unfinished Sessions: Sometimes, a user may have an unfinished session or a transaction that did not complete properly, leaving the object locked.
  System Errors: Occasionally, system errors or crashes can lead to locks that are not released properly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Wait and Retry: If the lock is temporary, waiting for the other user to finish their transaction may resolve the issue. You can retry after a few minutes.
  Identify the Lock: Use transaction code SM12 to view the list of locks in the system. You can check which user has locked the object and the details of the lock.
  Contact the User: If you identify the user who has locked the object, you can contact them to see if they can release the lock.
  Release the Lock: If necessary and if you have the appropriate authorizations, you can manually release the lock from transaction SM12. However, this should be done with caution, as it may lead to data inconsistencies if the other user is still working on the object.
  Check for Background Jobs: Sometimes, background jobs may hold locks. Check transaction SM37 to see if any background jobs are running that might be causing the lock.
  System Administration: If the issue persists, it may require intervention from a system administrator to investigate further or to check for any underlying issues in the system.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage locks.
  SM37: Monitor background jobs.
  SM21: Check system logs for errors.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on locking mechanisms and best practices for managing locks.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to properly complete transactions to minimize the occurrence of locks.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the C2188 error and understand the underlying causes of record locking in SAP.