How To Fix SWF_RUN520 - Error in structure persistence - reference element & already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_RUN - Workflow Runtime System

• Message number: 520

• Message text: Error in structure persistence - reference element & already exists

What causes this issue?

The structure persistence saves recorded structures in separate tables.
A reference element is created in the workflow container for this
purpose.
The creation of the reference element returns an error since there is
already an element with this name in the container.

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?

Change the name of the container element that the structure receives in
the workflow definition. Do not use any more than 27 characters for the
name.

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_RUN520 - Error in structure persistence - reference element & already exists ?

  The SAP error message SWF_RUN520, which states "Error in structure persistence - reference element & already exists," typically occurs in the context of workflow management in SAP. This error indicates that there is an issue with the persistence of workflow data, specifically that a reference element (such as a workflow instance or a task) is trying to be created or updated in a way that conflicts with an existing entry.
  Causes:
  
  Duplicate Entries: The most common cause is that there is an attempt to create a new workflow instance or task that has the same identifier as an existing one.
  Data Consistency Issues: There may be inconsistencies in the database or in the workflow definitions that lead to conflicts.
  Incorrect Workflow Configuration: Misconfiguration in the workflow settings or parameters can lead to this error.
  System Bugs: Occasionally, this error can be caused by bugs in the SAP system or specific versions of the software.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check for Duplicates: Investigate the workflow instances or tasks to see if there are duplicates. You can use transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Selection with Frequency) to analyze existing workflows.
  Delete or Archive Old Instances: If you find duplicate or obsolete workflow instances, consider deleting or archiving them to resolve the conflict.
  Review Workflow Configuration: Ensure that the workflow definitions and configurations are correct. Check for any recent changes that might have introduced inconsistencies.
  Database Consistency Check: Run consistency checks on the database to ensure that there are no integrity issues. This can often be done through transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) or SE14 (Database Utility).
  SAP Notes and Support: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error. There may be patches or updates available that resolve known issues.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot find a resolution, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the error, including any relevant logs or transaction codes.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SWI1, SWI2, SWF_XPRA, and SWF_WORKITEM for managing workflows.
  Workflow Logs: Check the workflow logs for more detailed error messages that can provide additional context about the issue.
  System Version: Be aware of the version of SAP you are using, as certain errors may be specific to particular versions or patches.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the SWF_RUN520 error effectively.