LIS — Record Locking & Unlocking (resolve “in use” records)

The LIS uses record locking to prevent two people from editing the same record at once. When a user opens a record for editing (or certain views), the system places a lock that is cleared when they save/close. If a workstation crashes, a session times out, or a user walks away, the lock can remain and block others. Unlocker tools allow authorized users to safely release these stale locks.

What you’ll see

• “Record is in use by [User] messages
• Edit buttons disabled or forms opening in read‑only mode

Important

• Only unlock when you are sure the other user is not actively editing. Unlocking an active session can cause loss of unsaved work.
• Unlock actions are not audit‑logged.

Unlocker tools overview

• Result Entry Unlocker
  • Purpose: Releases orders locked in Result Entry when another user left them open.
• Create Invoice Unlocker
  • Purpose: Releases orders locked in the Create Invoice workflow so billing can proceed.
• Payment Posting Unlocker
  • Purpose: Releases invoices locked in the Payment Posting form when a user left them open.

Each unlocker targets locks created by its respective form; use the unlocker that matches where the lock originated.

Result Entry Unlocker

Create Invoice Unlocker

Payment Posting Unlocker

Result Entry Unlocker

📘 Result Entry Unlocker - unlock orders for results

Typical path: Tools → Result Entry Unlocker

Steps

1. Open Result Entry Unlocker.
2. Filter by Order/Accession, User.
3. Select the locked order(s).
4. Click Unlock and confirm.
5. Notify the original user (if applicable) and proceed with Result Entry.

Best practices

• Prefer unlocking the minimal set of orders.
• If you see a very recent lock, verify the user truly isn’t working before unlocking.

Create Invoice Unlocker

📘 Create Invoice Unlocker - unlock orders in billing

Typical path: Billing → Create Invoice Unlocker

Steps

1. Open Create Invoice Unlocker.
2. Search/filter by Order, Client, User, or Date.
3. Select the locked item(s).
4. Click Unlock and confirm.
5. Return to Create Invoice and continue processing.

Tip

• If orders re‑lock immediately, ensure another user doesn’t have the Create Invoice form still open with the same orders loaded.
  

Payment Posting Unlocker

📘 Payment Posting Unlocker - unlock invoices for posting

Typical path: Billing → Payment Posting Unlocker

Steps

1. Open Payment Posting Unlocker.
2. Filter by Invoice, Payer, User, or Date.
3. Select the locked invoice(s).
4. Click Unlock and confirm.
5. Resume payment posting.

Best practices

• Avoid keeping Payment Posting open across long breaks; save and close to release locks.

Governance and safety

• Permissions: Access to unlockers is typically limited to supervisors/admins.
• Audit: Unlock events are not recorded.
• Auto‑release: Some locks auto‑expire after inactivity; consider waiting if the lock is very recent.
• Communication: If possible, contact the locking user before unlocking.

Troubleshooting

• Cannot unlock: You may lack permission, or the record status changed. Ask an admin to review role permissions.
• Record re‑locks instantly: Another session still has the record open; ask the user to close or log out, or terminate the stale session.
• Still “in use” after unlock: Refresh the target form, clear filters, or close/reopen the module; confirm you used the correct unlocker for that form.
• Data conflicts after unlock: Use the Audit trail to reconcile changes and re‑enter edits as needed.