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How To Fix SWF_GP_DEF157 - Element &1 - invalid data type '&2' specified


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: SWF_GP_DEF - Guided Procedures Import

  • Message number: 157

  • Message text: Element &1 - invalid data type '&2' specified

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  • 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 SWF_GP_DEF157 - Element &1 - invalid data type '&2' specified ?

    The SAP error message SWF_GP_DEF157 indicates that there is an issue with the data type of an element in a workflow or process definition. Specifically, it means that the system has encountered an invalid data type for a specified element.

    Cause:

    The error typically arises due to one of the following reasons:

    1. Incorrect Data Type Definition: The data type specified for an element in the workflow definition does not match any of the valid data types recognized by SAP.
    2. Configuration Issues: There may be a misconfiguration in the workflow or process definition, where the element is expected to have a certain data type but has been assigned an incorrect one.
    3. Custom Development: If there are custom workflows or enhancements, the data types defined in the custom code may not align with the expected types in the standard SAP system.

    Solution:

    To resolve the SWF_GP_DEF157 error, you can follow these steps:

    1. Check the Element Definition:

      • Go to the workflow definition in the SAP system.
      • Verify the data type assigned to the element in question (denoted as &1 in the error message).
      • Ensure that the data type (denoted as &2) is valid and correctly defined.
    2. Correct the Data Type:

      • If the data type is incorrect, change it to a valid type that is recognized by SAP.
      • You may need to refer to the SAP documentation or data type definitions to find the correct type.
    3. Review Custom Code:

      • If the error is related to custom developments, review the custom code to ensure that the data types used are compatible with the workflow definitions.
      • Make necessary adjustments to align the custom code with the expected data types.
    4. Test the Workflow:

      • After making the necessary changes, test the workflow to ensure that the error is resolved and that the workflow functions as expected.
    5. Consult SAP Notes:

      • Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
    6. Seek Help from SAP Support:

      • If the issue persists after following the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance.

    Related Information:

    • SAP Workflow Documentation: Familiarize yourself with SAP's workflow management documentation to understand the valid data types and their usage.
    • Data Type Definitions: Review the data type definitions in the ABAP Dictionary (transaction SE11) to ensure compliance with SAP standards.
    • Debugging Tools: Utilize debugging tools in SAP to trace the workflow execution and identify where the invalid data type is being set.

    By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the SWF_GP_DEF157 error in your SAP system.

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