description: Data Controller uses a locking mechanism to handle parallel updates to the same table by different users. This mechanism is also available to non-DC applications.
In any multi-user application a locking mechanism is necessary to avoid conflicts when the same table is updated by two people or processes. In Data Controller this is handled using the `DCLIB.MPE_LOCKANYTABLE` table, specifically using the [mp_lockanytable](https://core.sasjs.io/mp__lockanytable_8sas.html) macro.
This macro is invoked whenever a process requires an exclusive lock on a table - first to mark the table as locked, and again to mark it as unlocked. The logic flow is demonstrated below:
Notice above the red box - this situation can occur in unusual circumstances (such as a system shutdown or OS error). If you are waiting more than a minute or two for a table to be unlocked, then it is advised to follow the process below.
## Unlock Process
Before proceeding with an unlock, the first step should be to understand why the process is locked. By opening the [mpe_lockanytable](locking-mechanism) it will be possible to see which user performed the lock, and when. Simply filter the table where `LOCK_STATUS_CD='LOCKED'`.
This locking mechanism does not scale well if the table remains in SAS dataset (.sas7bdat) form. If you are deploying Data Controller for usage beyond 10-20 users then you are advised to put the control tables (DC library) in a database.
## Third Party Applications
Third party SAS apps may also make use of this locking table. This is handled by simply:
1. Ensuring the DC library is assigned in the Service
2. Using the [mp_lockanytable](https://core.sasjs.io/mp__lockanytable_8sas.html) macro to perform the lock
3. Using the [mp_lockanytable](https://core.sasjs.io/mp__lockanytable_8sas.html) macro to perform the unlock
4. Performing appropriate error handling to ensure an unlock if there are any issues in the service