How To Fix SWN177 - Reason for alternative: &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWN - WF Notif: Messages

• Message number: 177

• Message text: Reason for alternative: &1

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 SWN177 - Reason for alternative: &1 ?

  The SAP error message SWN177, which states "Reason for alternative: &1," is related to the SAP Workflow Notification system. This error typically occurs when there is an issue with the configuration of the workflow notifications, particularly when the system is unable to determine the appropriate recipient for a workflow notification.
  Cause:
  The error message SWN177 can be triggered by several factors, including:
  
  Missing or Incorrect Configuration: The workflow notification settings may not be properly configured in transaction SWN1 (Workflow Notification Settings).
  Recipient Determination Issues: The system may not be able to find a valid recipient for the notification due to missing user assignments or incorrect user data.
  Workflow Definition Issues: The workflow definition itself may have errors or may not be properly activated.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to receive notifications.
  Technical Issues: There may be underlying technical issues, such as problems with the SAPconnect configuration or email settings.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the SWN177 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Workflow Notification Settings:
  
  Go to transaction SWN1 and review the settings for workflow notifications. Ensure that the configuration is correct and that the necessary parameters are set.
  
  
  
  Verify Recipient Determination:
  
  Check the workflow definition in transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder) to ensure that the recipient determination logic is correctly set up.
  Ensure that the users who should receive notifications are correctly assigned in the workflow.
  
  
  
  Review User Data:
  
  Check the user master records (transaction SU01) to ensure that the users have valid email addresses and are active.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Definitions:
  
  Ensure that the workflow definitions are correctly activated and do not contain errors. You can do this in transaction SWDD.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Verify that the users have the necessary authorizations to receive notifications. You can check this in transaction SU53 (Authorization Check).
  
  
  
  SAPconnect Configuration:
  
  If notifications are sent via email, ensure that the SAPconnect settings are correctly configured. You can check this in transaction SCOT.
  
  
  
  Review Logs:
  
  Check the application logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages or information that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWN1: Workflow Notification Settings
  SWDD: Workflow Builder
  SU01: User Maintenance
  SCOT: SAPconnect Administration
  SLG1: Application Log
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to SWN177 or workflow notifications.
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP Help Portal for detailed documentation on workflow notifications and configuration.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the SWN177 error message in your SAP system.