How To Fix SWF_EXP_001009 - Container element expected (expression '&1', position &2)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_EXP_001 - Expression Service Messages

• Message number: 009

• Message text: Container element expected (expression '&1', position &2)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWF_EXP_001009 - Container element expected (expression '&1', position &2) ?

  The SAP error message SWF_EXP_001009 indicates that there is an issue with an expression in a workflow where a container element was expected, but it was not found. This typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow when the system is trying to evaluate an expression that references a container element, but the specified element is either missing or incorrectly defined.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Container Element: The specified container element does not exist in the workflow context.
  Incorrect Expression: The expression syntax may be incorrect, or it may reference a non-existent or incorrectly named container element.
  Workflow Definition Issues: There may be issues in the workflow definition itself, such as missing or incorrectly configured steps that lead to the absence of the expected container element.
  Data Type Mismatch: The data type of the container element may not match the expected type in the expression.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Workflow Definition:
  
  Open the workflow definition in the SAP Workflow Builder.
  Verify that the container element referenced in the error message is correctly defined and exists in the workflow context.
  
  
  
  Review Expressions:
  
  Check the expressions used in the workflow for correctness. Ensure that the syntax is correct and that the container element names are spelled correctly.
  If the expression is dynamically generated, ensure that the logic generating the expression is functioning as expected.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use the workflow log to trace the execution of the workflow and identify where the error occurs.
  You can also use transaction SWI1 (Work Item Selection) to analyze the work items and their associated logs.
  
  
  
  Container Element Initialization:
  
  Ensure that the container elements are properly initialized before they are used in expressions. If they are set in previous steps, confirm that those steps are executed successfully.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on the container elements and expressions used in workflows.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the workflow to ensure that the error is resolved and that the workflow behaves as expected.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SWDD: Workflow Builder
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ: Work Item Selection with Frequency
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or provide additional guidance on this error.
  Community Forums: Consider searching or posting in SAP community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the SWF_EXP_001009 error in your SAP workflow.