How To Fix SWF_RUN588 - Attempt to execute work item &1 failed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_RUN - Workflow Runtime System

• Message number: 588

• Message text: Attempt to execute work item &1 failed

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWF_RUN588 - Attempt to execute work item &1 failed ?

  The SAP error message SWF_RUN588, which states "Attempt to execute work item &1 failed," typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow. This error indicates that there was an issue when trying to execute a work item, which is a task that needs to be processed in the workflow.
  Causes:
  
  Authorization Issues: The user executing the work item may not have the necessary authorizations to perform the action associated with the work item.
  Technical Errors: There may be a technical issue, such as a missing or incorrect configuration in the workflow definition or a problem with the underlying business logic.
  System Errors: Issues with the SAP system itself, such as database connectivity problems or system performance issues, can lead to this error.
  Incorrect Workflow Configuration: The workflow might be incorrectly configured, leading to failures when trying to execute specific tasks.
  Missing or Inactive Objects: The work item may reference objects (like methods, classes, or function modules) that are missing or inactive.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to execute the work item. You can use transaction code SU53 to analyze authorization issues.
  Review Workflow Logs: Use transaction SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Overview) to check the logs for more detailed error messages related to the work item.
  Debugging: If you have access, you can debug the workflow to identify where the failure occurs. Use transaction SWI1 to find the work item and then analyze the workflow steps.
  Check Workflow Configuration: Review the workflow definition in transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder) to ensure that all steps are correctly configured and that all necessary objects are active.
  System Health Check: Check the overall health of the SAP system, including database connections and performance metrics, to rule out system-related issues.
  Consult SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide patches or updates.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ: Work Item Overview
  SWDD: Workflow Builder
  SU53: Authorization Check
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for workflows for more detailed information on configuring and troubleshooting workflows.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if others have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis or Workflow team for further investigation.