How To Fix /IWWRK/WF_ODC015 - Substitute already exists; Create operation failed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /IWWRK/WF_ODC -

• Message number: 015

• Message text: Substitute already exists; Create operation failed

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /IWWRK/WF_ODC015 - Substitute already exists; Create operation failed ?

  The SAP error message /IWWRK/WF_ODC015 Substitute already exists; Create operation failed typically occurs in the context of workflow management, particularly when dealing with substitutes in SAP's workflow system. This error indicates that there is an attempt to create a substitute for a user who already has an existing substitute defined in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Existing Substitute: The primary cause of this error is that the user for whom you are trying to create a substitute already has a substitute assigned in the system.
  Data Entry Error: There may be a mistake in the data entry, such as trying to create a duplicate substitute for the same time period.
  System Configuration: There could be issues related to the configuration of the workflow or substitute management settings in the SAP system.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Substitutes:
  
  Navigate to the relevant transaction (e.g., SWI1 for workflow items or SWWIHEAD for workflow header) to check if a substitute already exists for the user.
  If a substitute is found, you may need to modify or delete the existing substitute before creating a new one.
  
  
  
  Modify or Delete Existing Substitute:
  
  If you need to change the existing substitute, you can do so by accessing the substitute management transaction (e.g., SWWDYN or SWWDYN2).
  If the existing substitute is no longer needed, you can delete it to free up the user for a new substitute assignment.
  
  
  
  Review Time Periods:
  
  Ensure that the time periods for the substitutes do not overlap. If you are trying to create a substitute for a period that overlaps with an existing one, you will need to adjust the dates.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific instructions on managing substitutes in your version of SAP.
  
  
  
  Contact Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SWWDYN, SWI1, and SWWIHEAD for managing workflows and substitutes.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify substitutes in the system.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message, as they may provide additional insights or patches that could resolve the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.