How To Fix SO817 - Substitute <&> changed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SO - SAPoffice: message texts

• Message number: 817

• Message text: Substitute <&> changed

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 SO817 - Substitute <&> changed ?

  The SAP error message SO817 ("Substitute <&> changed") typically occurs in the context of SAP's workflow or document management systems, particularly when dealing with substitutes for users in the system. This message indicates that a substitute user has been changed or modified, which can affect workflows or tasks that are assigned to the original user.
  Cause:
  
  
  User Substitution Changes: The primary cause of this error is that the substitute for a user has been altered. This could happen if:
  
  A user’s substitute was modified in the user profile.
  The substitute user is no longer valid or has been removed.
  Changes were made to the workflow settings or user assignments.
  
  
  
  Workflow Context: If a workflow is trying to route tasks to a user who has a substitute, and that substitute has been changed, the system may trigger this error to alert users of the inconsistency.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check User Substitution:
  
  Go to the user management area in SAP (transaction code SU01).
  Check the user profile of the affected user and verify the substitute settings.
  Ensure that the substitute is correctly assigned and is an active user in the system.
  
  
  
  Update Workflow Settings:
  
  If the error is occurring in a workflow context, review the workflow settings to ensure that they are correctly configured.
  You may need to reassign tasks or update the workflow to reflect the current substitute.
  
  
  
  Communication:
  
  Inform users about the change in substitution and ensure they are aware of who their current substitute is.
  If necessary, provide training or documentation on how to manage substitutes effectively.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the workflow or task assignment to ensure that the error does not reoccur.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SU01 (User Maintenance), SWI1 (Work Item Selection), and SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Overview) to manage users and workflows effectively.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on user management and workflow processes to understand how substitutes work and how to manage them effectively.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or technical support team for further investigation.