SQLITE_ERROR: no such savepoint: typeorm_4

Questions
1

I’m using the new data tables to store a standard part of the system message, and just got this error when two instaances of the workflow were called simulatneously, SQLITE_ERROR: no such savepoint: typeorm_4

Describe the problem/error/question

What is the error message (if any)?

Please share your workflow

(Select the nodes on your canvas and use the keyboard shortcuts CMD+C/CTRL+C and CMD+V/CTRL+V to copy and paste the workflow.)

Share the output returned by the last node

Information on your n8n setup

  • n8n version:
  • Database (default: SQLite):
  • n8n EXECUTIONS_PROCESS setting (default: own, main):
  • Running n8n via (Docker, npm, n8n cloud, desktop app):
  • **Operating system:**1.116.2
2

This SQLite savepoint error typically occurs when multiple workflow instances try to access the same data table simultaneously, causing database transaction conflicts. Here are a few ways to resolve this:

• **Add retry logic**: Use the “Continue on Fail” option in your data table nodes and add a Wait node with a small delay (1-2 seconds) before retrying the operation

• **Implement queue processing**: Consider using a Queue trigger or adding workflow execution delays to prevent simultaneous database access

• **Switch to PostgreSQL**: If you frequently have concurrent workflows, upgrading from SQLite to PostgreSQL will handle concurrent connections much better

• **Use workflow locks**: Add a simple locking mechanism using data tables themselves - create a “lock” record before operations and delete it after completion

The issue is more common with SQLite since it’s designed for single-user scenarios, while PostgreSQL handles concurrent transactions natively.