How To Fix SWF_UTL_000021 - Object reference expected: '&1' is not a valid object type

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: 021

• Message text: Object reference expected: '&1' is not a valid object type

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_UTL_000021 - Object reference expected: '&1' is not a valid object type ?

  The SAP error message SWF_UTL_000021 indicates that there is an issue with an object reference in the workflow. Specifically, the message states that the object reference expected is not valid, which means that the system is trying to access an object that either does not exist or is not of the expected type.
  Cause
  The error can occur due to several reasons:
  
  Invalid Object Type: The object type being referenced in the workflow is not valid or does not exist in the system.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be a misconfiguration in the workflow definition or in the object type settings.
  Data Inconsistency: The object might have been deleted or modified in a way that makes it incompatible with the workflow.
  Authorization Issues: The user executing the workflow may not have the necessary authorizations to access the object.
  
  Solution
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Object Type: Verify that the object type referenced in the workflow is valid and exists in the system. You can do this by checking the workflow definition and ensuring that all object types are correctly defined.
  
  
  Review Workflow Configuration: Go through the workflow configuration to ensure that all steps and object types are correctly set up. Look for any inconsistencies or errors in the workflow definition.
  
  
  Check for Deletions or Modifications: Investigate if the object has been deleted or modified. If it has, you may need to restore it or update the workflow to reference a valid object.
  
  
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user executing the workflow has the necessary authorizations to access the object. You can check the user roles and authorizations in the SAP system.
  
  
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider using the SAP debugging tools to trace the workflow execution and identify where the error is occurring. This can provide more insight into the specific object that is causing the issue.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or support notes related to the specific workflow and object types you are using. There may be known issues or additional troubleshooting steps provided by SAP.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction Codes: You may want to use transaction codes like SWDD (Workflow Builder) to review and edit workflows, and SWI1 (Work Item Selection) to check for work items related to the workflow.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Community Forums: Consider searching or posting in SAP community forums for additional insights from other users who may have encountered the same issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the SWF_UTL_000021 error in your SAP system.