How To Fix SWF_GP_DEF186 - Context definition does not contain initial values for container elements

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_GP_DEF - Guided Procedures Import

• Message number: 186

• Message text: Context definition does not contain initial values for container elements

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_DEF186 - Context definition does not contain initial values for container elements ?

  The SAP error message SWF_GP_DEF186, which states "Context definition does not contain initial values for container elements," typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow or SAP Business Process Management (BPM). This error indicates that the workflow context definition is missing initial values for certain container elements that are expected to be initialized before the workflow can proceed.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Initial Values: The workflow context definition does not have initial values set for one or more container elements that are required for the workflow to execute properly.
  Incorrect Workflow Configuration: The workflow might be incorrectly configured, leading to the absence of necessary initial values.
  Changes in Workflow Definition: If the workflow definition has been modified (e.g., adding new container elements) without providing initial values, this error can occur.
  Transport Issues: If the workflow was transported from one system to another, the initial values might not have been included in the transport.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Workflow Definition: 
  
  Go to the workflow definition in the SAP system (transaction code SWDD).
  Verify the context definition and ensure that all required container elements have initial values defined.
  
  
  
  Set Initial Values:
  
  For each container element that is causing the error, set appropriate initial values in the workflow definition.
  You can do this by editing the workflow and navigating to the "Container" tab to define initial values.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Steps:
  
  Ensure that all steps in the workflow that rely on these container elements are correctly configured to handle the absence of values if necessary.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making changes, test the workflow to ensure that it runs without errors.
  Use transaction SWI1 to monitor the workflow instances and check for any further issues.
  
  
  
  Transport Considerations:
  
  If the workflow was transported, ensure that all necessary objects, including initial values, were included in the transport request.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD: Workflow Builder - to edit and manage workflows.
  SWI1: Work Item Selection - to monitor and analyze workflow instances.
  SWI2_FREQ: To check for workflow instances that are frequently failing.
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on workflow configuration and context definitions.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to this error message.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SWF_GP_DEF186 error and ensure that your workflow can execute as intended.