How To Fix IBO_WF_INBOX021 - Unable to retrieve substitutes

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IBO_WF_INBOX - message class of inbox facade

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Unable to retrieve substitutes

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IBO_WF_INBOX021 - Unable to retrieve substitutes ?

  The SAP error message IBO_WF_INBOX021: Unable to retrieve substitutes typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow when the system is unable to find or retrieve the substitute users for a particular workflow task. This can happen for several reasons, and here are some common causes, solutions, and related information:
  Causes:
  
  No Substitutes Defined: The user for whom the workflow is being processed may not have any substitutes defined in the system.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to view or access the substitutes.
  System Configuration: There may be issues with the configuration of the workflow or the substitute management settings in SAP.
  Data Inconsistencies: There could be inconsistencies in the user master data or workflow settings that prevent the retrieval of substitutes.
  Technical Issues: There may be underlying technical issues, such as database connectivity problems or system performance issues.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Substitute Settings:
  
  Go to the user’s profile in SAP and check if substitutes are defined. This can typically be done through transaction code SU01 (User Maintenance).
  Ensure that the substitute is active and correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Review Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access substitute information. This may involve checking roles and profiles assigned to the user.
  
  
  
  Workflow Configuration:
  
  Review the workflow configuration settings to ensure that they are correctly set up to handle substitutes. This may involve checking the workflow definition and the associated tasks.
  
  
  
  Check User Master Data:
  
  Verify that the user master data is consistent and complete. Look for any missing or incorrect information that could affect substitute retrieval.
  
  
  
  System Logs:
  
  Check the system logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  
  
  Technical Support:
  
  If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis or technical support team to investigate any underlying technical issues.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SU01: User Maintenance
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ: Work Item Selection for Workflow
  SWI2_DURA: Work Item Selection for Workflow with Duration
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues related to substitutes in workflows. You can search for notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to workflow management and substitute handling for more detailed guidance.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the error message IBO_WF_INBOX021.