How To Fix SWF_RLS_001171 - The right operand of the operator '&1' must be character-like

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_RLS_001 - Condition Evaluation and Rule Evaluation

• Message number: 171

• Message text: The right operand of the operator '&1' must be character-like

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWF_RLS_001171 - The right operand of the operator '&1' must be character-like ?

  The SAP error message SWF_RLS_001171 indicates that there is an issue with the data types being used in an expression within a workflow or a related process. Specifically, the error states that the right operand of the operator (in this case, &1) must be character-like, meaning that the operand is expected to be a string or character data type, but it is not.
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs when:
  
  A variable or field that is expected to be of a character type is actually of a different type (e.g., numeric, date, etc.).
  There is a mismatch in the data types being used in a comparison or concatenation operation.
  The workflow or program logic is incorrectly defined, leading to an attempt to use incompatible data types.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Data Types: Review the variables or fields involved in the operation where the error occurs. Ensure that the right operand is indeed a character-like type. You can do this by checking the data dictionary or the definitions of the variables in the workflow.
  
  
  Type Conversion: If the right operand is not a character-like type, you may need to convert it to a string. In ABAP, you can use the CONCATENATE statement or the WRITE statement with the appropriate formatting to convert non-character types to strings.
  Example:
  DATA: lv_string TYPE string,
        lv_number TYPE i.
  
  lv_number = 123.
  lv_string = lv_number.  " This will cause an error
  lv_string = lv_number + 0.  " Correct way to convert
  
  
  Review Workflow Logic: If the error is occurring within a workflow, review the workflow logic to ensure that the correct data types are being used in all expressions and conditions.
  
  
  Debugging: If you are unable to identify the issue, consider using debugging tools to step through the workflow or program to see where the data type mismatch occurs.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or community forums for additional insights or similar issues encountered by other users.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional context.
  Data Dictionary: Use transaction SE11 to check the definitions of the fields involved in the operation.
  ABAP Documentation: Review the ABAP programming guidelines for handling data types and conversions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the SWF_RLS_001171 error in your SAP environment.