How To Fix SWL180 - You cannot process the work item either yourself or as a substitute

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 180

• Message text: You cannot process the work item either yourself or as a substitute

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 SWL180 - You cannot process the work item either yourself or as a substitute ?

  The SAP error message SWL180, which states "You cannot process the work item either yourself or as a substitute," typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow. This error indicates that the user attempting to process a work item does not have the necessary authorizations or is not in a position to act on that work item.
  Causes:
  
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the required authorizations to process the work item. This could be due to missing roles or permissions in the user's profile.
  Work Item Ownership: The work item may be assigned to another user, and the current user is neither the owner nor a designated substitute.
  Substitution Settings: If the user is trying to act as a substitute, the substitution may not be correctly set up or may have expired.
  Workflow Configuration: There may be issues with the workflow configuration that prevent the user from processing the work item.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to process the work item. This can be done by checking the user's roles and authorizations in transaction code SU53 or PFCG.
  If the user lacks the required authorizations, work with your SAP security team to grant the necessary permissions.
  
  
  
  Verify Work Item Assignment:
  
  Check the assignment of the work item to ensure that the user is indeed the owner or a valid substitute. You can do this by reviewing the work item details in the SAP Business Workplace (transaction SBWP).
  
  
  
  Review Substitution Settings:
  
  If the user is acting as a substitute, ensure that the substitution is correctly set up. This can be checked in transaction SWUS (for setting up substitutions) or SWI1 (to view work items).
  Make sure that the substitution is active and has not expired.
  
  
  
  Workflow Configuration:
  
  If the issue persists, review the workflow configuration to ensure that it is set up correctly. This may involve checking the workflow definition and ensuring that the user roles are correctly assigned.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error. SAP Notes can provide additional insights or patches that may resolve the issue.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SBWP: SAP Business Workplace
  SWUS: Maintain Substitutions
  SU53: Display Authorization Check
  PFCG: Role Maintenance
  
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP Help Portal for detailed documentation on workflow management and authorization concepts.
  
  
  Support: If the issue cannot be resolved internally, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the SWL180 error effectively.