How To Fix SWF_RUN809 - Type of external process not specified

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_RUN - Workflow Runtime System

• Message number: 809

• Message text: Type of external process not specified

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWF_RUN809 - Type of external process not specified ?

  The SAP error message SWF_RUN809, which states "Type of external process not specified," typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow when there is an issue with the configuration of an external process that is supposed to be executed as part of a workflow. This error indicates that the system is unable to determine the type of external process that should be executed, which can lead to workflow execution failures.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Configuration: The external process type may not be defined in the workflow configuration.
  Incorrect Workflow Definition: The workflow definition may not specify the external process correctly.
  Authorization Issues: The user executing the workflow may not have the necessary authorizations to access the external process.
  System Settings: There may be issues with the system settings or parameters that define how external processes are handled.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Workflow Configuration:
  
  Go to the workflow definition in transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder) and ensure that the external process is correctly defined.
  Verify that the "Type of external process" is specified in the workflow step that is supposed to call it.
  
  
  
  Define External Process:
  
  If the external process type is not defined, you may need to create or configure it in the relevant transaction (e.g., transaction SWF_XPRA for external process definitions).
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Steps:
  
  Ensure that all steps in the workflow that involve external processes are correctly configured and that the necessary parameters are provided.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Verify that the user executing the workflow has the necessary authorizations to run the external process. This may involve checking roles and authorizations in transaction PFCG.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific version of SAP you are using, as there may be specific instructions or patches available.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If the issue persists, consider debugging the workflow to identify where the process is failing. You can use transaction SWI1 (Work Item Selection) to analyze the work items and their statuses.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD: Workflow Builder
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ: Work Item Selection by Frequency
  SWI2_DURA: Work Item Selection by Duration
  
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP Help Portal for detailed information on workflows and external processes.
  
  
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the SWF_RUN809 error in your SAP system.