How To Fix SWK021 - Work item &1 already has status &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWK - Messages for Workflow - Workplace Plug-In 4.0B

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Work item &1 already has status &2

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWK021 - Work item &1 already has status &2 ?

  The SAP error message SWK021 indicates that a work item (identified by &1) already has a status of &2, which means that the action you are trying to perform on the work item cannot be completed because it is already in a specific state that does not allow for that action.
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow when:
  
  You are trying to process a work item that has already been completed or is in a status that does not permit further processing (e.g., it may be in a "completed," "canceled," or "error" state).
  There may be a misunderstanding of the workflow process, where the user attempts to reprocess or reassign a work item that is no longer active.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Work Item Status: 
  
  Use transaction code SWI1 (Work Item Selection) to check the status of the work item. This will help you understand why the action cannot be performed.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Process:
  
  Ensure that you are following the correct workflow process. If the work item is already completed, you may need to look for the next work item in the workflow or check if there is a different action you should take.
  
  
  
  Reassign or Restart Workflow:
  
  If necessary, you may need to reassign the work item to another user or restart the workflow process, depending on your business requirements and the specific workflow design.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review the workflow documentation or consult with your SAP workflow administrator to understand the specific statuses and transitions for the work items in your workflow.
  
  
  
  Error Handling:
  
  If the work item is in an error state, you may need to handle the error according to your organization's procedures, which may involve correcting the underlying issue that caused the error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ: Work Item Selection with Frequency
  SWI2_DURA: Work Item Selection with Duration
  SWI6: Work Item Overview
  
  
  
  Workflow Monitoring:
  
  Use transaction SWI2 to monitor workflows and their statuses.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to workflow processing and work item statuses.
  
  
  
  User Roles and Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to perform actions on work items.
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the SWK021 error effectively. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team for further assistance.