How To Fix 6G162 - Status change of a task that cannot be executed directly

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 6G - Messages for System Administration Assistant

• Message number: 162

• Message text: Status change of a task that cannot be executed directly

What causes this issue?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

The selected task cannot be performed directly, that is there is no SAP
transaction with which you can perform the task.
To change the status, choose one of the icons (
<ZK>red -> green</> or reversed).

How to fix this error?

You should only change the status (<ZK>red -> green</>) when the task
is really complete, after starting an operating system function.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 6G162 - Status change of a task that cannot be executed directly ?

  The SAP error message 6G162 indicates that there is an issue with changing the status of a task in a workflow or process that cannot be executed directly. This typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow or task management, where certain tasks have specific status transitions that must be followed.
  Cause:
  The error can occur due to several reasons:
  
  Invalid Status Transition: The task you are trying to change may not allow direct status changes. For example, you might be trying to set a task to "Completed" without going through the necessary intermediate statuses.
  Workflow Configuration: The workflow may be configured in such a way that certain statuses are restricted from being changed directly.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to change the status of the task.
  Task Dependencies: There may be dependencies on other tasks that need to be completed before the status of the current task can be changed.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, consider the following steps:
  
  Check Status Transition Rules: Review the workflow configuration to understand the allowed status transitions for the task. Ensure that you are following the correct sequence of status changes.
  Use the Correct Functionality: Instead of trying to change the status directly, use the appropriate function or transaction that allows for the correct status change. This may involve completing prerequisite tasks or using specific workflow actions.
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user attempting to change the status has the necessary authorizations. You may need to consult with your SAP security team to verify this.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help resources related to the specific workflow or task management process you are working with. This can provide insights into the expected behavior and any constraints.
  Debugging: If you have access to technical resources, consider debugging the workflow to identify any underlying issues that may be causing the error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional context.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to workflow management, such as SWI1 (Work Item Selection), SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Selection - Frequency), and SWI6 (Work Item Overview).
  Workflow Monitoring: Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2 to monitor the workflow and identify any stuck or problematic tasks that may be causing the issue.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for further assistance.