How To Fix SWF_RUN620 - Workflow definition is inconsistent (&1 is initial)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_RUN - Workflow Runtime System

• Message number: 620

• Message text: Workflow definition is inconsistent (&1 is initial)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWF_RUN620 - Workflow definition is inconsistent (&1 is initial) ?

  The SAP error message SWF_RUN620 indicates that there is an inconsistency in the workflow definition, specifically that a required element (denoted by &1) is initial or not set. This error typically occurs when a workflow instance is trying to execute but cannot find the necessary data or configuration to proceed.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Workflow Definition: The workflow definition might not be properly defined or activated in the system.
  Initial Values: A required field or parameter in the workflow is not initialized or is set to an empty value.
  Changes in Workflow: If the workflow definition was modified after instances were created, it might lead to inconsistencies.
  Transport Issues: If the workflow was transported from one system to another, some dependencies might not have been transported correctly.
  Authorization Issues: The user executing the workflow might not have the necessary authorizations to access certain workflow elements.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Workflow Definition:
  
  Go to the Workflow Builder (transaction code SWDD) and check the workflow definition for any missing or incorrectly configured elements.
  Ensure that all required fields are properly initialized.
  
  
  
  Activate Workflow:
  
  If the workflow definition is not active, activate it in the Workflow Builder.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Instances:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 to check the workflow instances and see if there are any that are stuck or in error. Analyze the logs for more details.
  
  
  
  Check for Changes:
  
  If the workflow definition was recently changed, ensure that all instances are compatible with the new definition. You may need to re-initialize or recreate instances.
  
  
  
  Transport Check:
  
  If the workflow was transported, verify that all necessary objects (like tasks, containers, etc.) were included in the transport request.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure that the user executing the workflow has the necessary authorizations to access all components of the workflow.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If the issue persists, consider debugging the workflow to identify where the inconsistency is occurring. You can use transaction SWI1 to analyze the workflow log and find the exact point of failure.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD: Workflow Builder
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ: Work Item Selection for Recurrent Workflows
  SWI2_DURA: Work Item Selection for Duration-Based Workflows
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to workflow issues for any known bugs or additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for workflows to understand the structure and requirements of workflow definitions.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the inconsistency causing the SWF_RUN620 error.