How To Fix SWF_UTL_000020 - Object reference expected: '&1' cannot be converted to &2 format

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWF_UTL_000 - Messages for I/O - Service Class CL_SWF_IO_SERVICES

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Object reference expected: '&1' cannot be converted to &2 format

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_UTL_000020 - Object reference expected: '&1' cannot be converted to &2 format ?

  The SAP error message SWF_UTL_000020 indicates that there is an issue with object reference conversion in the workflow. Specifically, it means that the system expected an object of a certain type but received an object that cannot be converted to that type. The placeholders &1 and &2 in the message represent the actual object reference and the expected format, respectively.
  Cause:
  
  Type Mismatch: The most common cause of this error is a type mismatch where the workflow is trying to use an object that is not compatible with the expected type.
  Incorrect Workflow Configuration: The workflow might be incorrectly configured, leading to the system trying to process an object that does not match the expected format.
  Data Issues: There may be issues with the data being processed, such as missing or corrupted data that leads to an invalid object reference.
  Custom Code: If there is custom code involved in the workflow, it may not be handling object references correctly.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Workflow Configuration: Review the workflow configuration to ensure that all object types are correctly defined and that the workflow is set up to handle the expected object types.
  Debugging: Use the SAP debugging tools to trace the workflow execution and identify where the type mismatch occurs. Look for the specific object reference that is causing the issue.
  Data Validation: Validate the data being processed by the workflow to ensure that it is complete and in the correct format. Check for any missing or invalid data that could lead to this error.
  Review Custom Code: If there is custom code involved, review it to ensure that it correctly handles object references and conversions. Make sure that the code is robust against unexpected data types.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that may address this specific error message. There may be patches or updates that resolve known issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may want to use transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Selection - Frequency) to monitor workflow instances and identify problematic items.
  Workflow Logs: Check the workflow logs for additional details about the error. This can provide insights into what was happening at the time the error occurred.
  SAP Community: Consider searching or posting in the SAP Community forums for additional insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.