How To Fix SWL162 - You cannot create a substitution with unrestricted validity

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWL - WF: New User Interface Messages in Workflow (Client)

• Message number: 162

• Message text: You cannot create a substitution with unrestricted validity

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWL162 - You cannot create a substitution with unrestricted validity ?

  The SAP error message SWL162, which states "You cannot create a substitution with unrestricted validity," typically occurs in the context of the SAP Workflow system when attempting to create a substitution for a user without specifying a validity period. This error is related to the management of user substitutions in workflows, where a user can delegate their tasks to another user for a specified time frame.
  Cause:
  The error arises because the system does not allow the creation of a substitution that is valid indefinitely (i.e., without a defined start and end date). This is a safeguard to ensure that task delegation is managed properly and that there is always a clear understanding of who is responsible for tasks at any given time.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to specify a validity period for the substitution. Here are the steps to do this:
  
  
  Access the Substitution Management:
  
  Go to the transaction code SWUS (Substitution Management) or navigate through the SAP menu to find the substitution management area.
  
  
  
  Create or Edit Substitution:
  
  If you are creating a new substitution, ensure that you fill in the fields for the start date and end date of the substitution.
  If you are editing an existing substitution, check that the validity period is set correctly.
  
  
  
  Specify Validity Dates:
  
  Enter a start date and an end date for the substitution. This defines the period during which the substitution is active.
  
  
  
  Save Changes:
  
  After entering the required information, save your changes.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Substitution Types: Understand the different types of substitutions (e.g., temporary, permanent) and how they affect workflow processing.
  User Roles: Ensure that the user creating the substitution has the necessary authorizations to do so.
  Workflow Monitoring: Use transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) to monitor workflow items and ensure that substitutions are functioning as expected.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more detailed information on managing substitutions and workflows.
  
  By following these steps and ensuring that a validity period is always specified, you should be able to avoid the SWL162 error and successfully create user substitutions in SAP.