How To Fix SWF_UTL_000081 - Element '&1': Data type '&2' cannot be displayed as a STRING

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: 081

• Message text: Element '&1': Data type '&2' cannot be displayed as a STRING

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWF_UTL_000081 - Element '&1': Data type '&2' cannot be displayed as a STRING ?

  The SAP error message SWF_UTL_000081 indicates that there is an issue with the data type of an element in a workflow. Specifically, it states that the element identified by &1 has a data type of &2, which cannot be displayed as a STRING. This typically occurs when the workflow is trying to display or process a data type that is not compatible with string representation.
  Cause:
  
  Incompatible Data Type: The element in question is of a data type that cannot be converted to a string. Common examples include complex data types, structures, or tables that do not have a straightforward string representation.
  Workflow Configuration: There may be a misconfiguration in the workflow where the expected data type does not match the actual data type being used.
  Data Retrieval Issues: The data being retrieved or processed may not be in the expected format, leading to this error when the system attempts to display it.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Type: Review the data type of the element &1 in the workflow. Ensure that it is a simple data type (like CHAR, NUMC, etc.) that can be displayed as a string.
  Modify Workflow Logic: If the data type is complex, consider modifying the workflow logic to convert the data into a string format before attempting to display it. This can be done using appropriate conversion functions or methods.
  Use Appropriate Data Elements: If the element is a structure or table, extract the specific field(s) that can be represented as a string and use those instead.
  Debugging: Use debugging tools to trace the workflow execution and identify where the incompatible data type is being introduced. This can help in pinpointing the exact cause of the error.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling data types in workflows.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Types in ABAP: Understanding the various data types in ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) can help in troubleshooting these issues. Familiarize yourself with simple types, structures, and internal tables.
  Workflow Configuration: Review the configuration settings of the workflow to ensure that all elements are correctly defined and that their data types are compatible with the expected operations.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or updates that may address this specific error or provide additional context on handling data types in workflows.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SWF_UTL_000081 error and ensure that your workflow processes data correctly.