How To Fix /SRMSMC/FND_WFL034 - Error in background step (see application log); workflow restarted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SRMSMC/FND_WFL -

• Message number: 034

• Message text: Error in background step (see application log); workflow restarted

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SRMSMC/FND_WFL034 - Error in background step (see application log); workflow restarted ?

  The SAP error message /SRMSMC/FND_WFL034 Error in background step (see application log); workflow restarted typically indicates that there was an issue during the execution of a background workflow step in the SAP Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) system. This error can occur for various reasons, and understanding the cause and finding a solution involves several steps.
  Possible Causes:
  
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration of the workflow or the related business processes can lead to errors.
  Authorization Problems: The user executing the workflow may not have the necessary authorizations to perform certain actions.
  Data Issues: Missing or incorrect data in the workflow can cause it to fail. This could include missing fields or invalid data formats.
  System Performance: If the system is under heavy load, it may not be able to process the workflow step in a timely manner, leading to timeouts or failures.
  Custom Code: If there are custom enhancements or modifications in the workflow, they may not be functioning correctly.
  Background Job Failures: If the workflow is triggered by a background job, any issues with that job can lead to this error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Application Log: The first step is to check the application log for more detailed error messages. You can do this by using transaction code SLG1. Look for entries related to the workflow and identify the specific error.
  
  
  Review Workflow Configuration: Ensure that the workflow is correctly configured. Check the workflow definition and any associated tasks to ensure they are set up properly.
  
  
  Verify Authorizations: Make sure that the user executing the workflow has the necessary authorizations. You can use transaction SU53 to analyze authorization issues.
  
  
  Data Validation: Check the data being processed by the workflow. Ensure that all required fields are filled out and that the data is in the correct format.
  
  
  Monitor System Performance: Use transaction ST22 to check for dumps and transaction SM21 to review system logs. If the system is under heavy load, consider optimizing performance or scheduling the workflow to run during off-peak hours.
  
  
  Debug Custom Code: If there are custom enhancements, debug the code to identify any issues. You may need to work with your ABAP developers to resolve any problems.
  
  
  Restart the Workflow: If the issue is transient, you may be able to simply restart the workflow. However, ensure that the underlying issue is resolved to prevent recurrence.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SLG1 (Application Log)
  SU53 (Authorization Check)
  ST22 (Dump Analysis)
  SM21 (System Log)
  
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for SRM workflows for more detailed information on configuration and troubleshooting.
  
  
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.