How To Fix RLMFW029 - An unknown error occurred when starting the workflow

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RLMFW - Release Management

• Message number: 029

• Message text: An unknown error occurred when starting the workflow

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 RLMFW029 - An unknown error occurred when starting the workflow ?

  The SAP error message RLMFW029 ("An unknown error occurred when starting the workflow") typically indicates that there is an issue with the workflow engine or the configuration of the workflow in the SAP system. This error can arise from various underlying causes, and troubleshooting it may require a systematic approach.
  Possible Causes:
  
  Workflow Configuration Issues: There may be a problem with the workflow definition or configuration, such as missing or incorrect parameters.
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to start the workflow may not have the necessary authorizations.
  System Performance: If the system is under heavy load, it may not be able to process the workflow request in a timely manner.
  Technical Errors: There could be underlying technical issues, such as database connectivity problems or issues with the workflow runtime environment.
  Missing Workflow Template: The workflow template that is supposed to be executed may not exist or may be inactive.
  Transport Issues: If the workflow was recently transported from another system, there may be inconsistencies or missing objects.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Workflow Configuration:
  
  Review the workflow definition in transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder) to ensure that it is correctly configured.
  Verify that all necessary steps and conditions are properly defined.
  
  
  
  Review Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to start the workflow. You can check this in transaction SU53 after the error occurs.
  
  
  
  Monitor System Performance:
  
  Use transaction SM37 to check for any long-running jobs or background processes that might be affecting system performance.
  Check system logs in transaction SM21 for any related errors.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Logs:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 to view workflow logs and see if there are any additional error messages or details that can help identify the issue.
  
  
  
  Validate Workflow Template:
  
  Ensure that the workflow template exists and is active. You can check this in transaction SWDD or SWU3 (for workflow settings).
  
  
  
  Transport Consistency:
  
  If the workflow was recently transported, ensure that all related objects (like tasks, events, etc.) were also transported correctly.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If the issue persists, consider debugging the workflow using transaction SWI1 or SWI2 to trace the execution and identify where it fails.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide patches.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD: Workflow Builder
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWU3: Automatic Workflow Customizing
  SM37: Job Monitoring
  SM21: System Log
  SU53: Authorization Check
  
  
  
  SAP Community: You can also search for discussions or similar issues in the SAP Community forums, where other users may have encountered and resolved the same error.
  
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis team or SAP support for further investigation.