How To Fix SWF_EXP_001211 - '&2' cannot be used as a return value for method &1n

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_EXP_001 - Expression Service Messages

• Message number: 211

• Message text: '&2' cannot be used as a return value for method &1n

What causes this issue?

An attempt was made to specify the import parameter &V1& as the return
value of a functional expression when calling method &V2&.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Only use export parameters, changing parameters, or returning parameters
as the return value of a functional method call.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWF_EXP_001211 - '&2' cannot be used as a return value for method &1n ?

  The SAP error message SWF_EXP_001211 indicates that there is an issue with the return value of a method in a workflow. Specifically, it suggests that the value being returned is not compatible with the expected return type defined for that method. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Type Mismatch: The return value being used does not match the expected data type defined in the method signature. For example, if the method is expected to return a string but is returning an integer, this error will occur.
  Incorrect Mapping: If the workflow is trying to map a return value from one method to another and the types do not align, this error can arise.
  Changes in Method Definition: If the method's return type has been changed in the underlying code or in the workflow definition, it may lead to this error if the workflow has not been updated accordingly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Method Definition: Review the method definition in the workflow to ensure that the return type is correctly defined and matches the expected type.
  Adjust Return Value: Modify the return value in the workflow to ensure it matches the expected type. This may involve converting the data type or changing the logic to return the correct type.
  Update Workflow: If the method definition has changed, ensure that the workflow is updated to reflect these changes. This may involve re-mapping or re-defining the workflow steps.
  Debugging: Use debugging tools in SAP to trace the workflow execution and identify where the type mismatch is occurring. This can help pinpoint the exact location of the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Workflow Configuration: Familiarize yourself with the workflow configuration and how methods are defined and used within workflows.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP's official documentation for workflows and method definitions to understand the expected data types and structures.
  Community Forums: Check SAP community forums or support channels for similar issues and solutions provided by other users.
  Testing: After making changes, thoroughly test the workflow to ensure that the error is resolved and that the workflow behaves as expected.
  
  By addressing the type mismatch and ensuring that the return values align with the method definitions, you should be able to resolve the SWF_EXP_001211 error.