How To Fix SWF_ADMIN017 - Active plan variant &1 is already set

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_ADMIN - Workflow: Administration

• Message number: 017

• Message text: Active plan variant &1 is already set

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWF_ADMIN017 - Active plan variant &1 is already set ?

  The SAP error message SWF_ADMIN017 indicates that an active plan variant is already set for a workflow. This typically occurs when you attempt to activate or change a plan variant that is already in use, which can lead to conflicts or inconsistencies in the workflow execution.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by trying to set a new active plan variant while another one is already active. This can happen in scenarios such as:
  
  Attempting to activate a new version of a workflow plan variant without deactivating the current one.
  Multiple users or processes trying to change the active plan variant simultaneously.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Current Active Plan Variant:
  
  Use transaction code SWF_ADMIN to check which plan variant is currently active. This will help you identify if the variant you are trying to activate is already in use.
  
  
  
  Deactivate the Current Plan Variant:
  
  If you need to activate a new plan variant, you must first deactivate the currently active one. In the SWF_ADMIN transaction, find the active variant and deactivate it.
  
  
  
  Activate the New Plan Variant:
  
  After deactivating the current variant, you can proceed to activate the new plan variant.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Instances:
  
  Ensure that there are no running workflow instances that depend on the current active plan variant. If there are, you may need to wait for them to complete or handle them appropriately.
  
  
  
  Check for Locks:
  
  Sometimes, the error can be caused by locks in the system. Check if there are any locks on the workflow that might be preventing changes.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If the issue persists, refer to SAP documentation or support for more detailed troubleshooting steps specific to your version of SAP.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWF_ADMIN: Workflow Administration
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ: Work Item Selection by Frequency
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to workflow management for any known issues or patches that might address this error.
  
  
  
  Workflow Management:
  
  Understanding the workflow management process in SAP can help prevent such issues in the future. Familiarize yourself with how plan variants work and the implications of activating/deactivating them.
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SWF_ADMIN017 error and manage your workflow plan variants effectively.