How To Fix SWP111 - Element '_WF_Initiator' missing in Workflow container

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWP - WFM: Messages

• Message number: 111

• Message text: Element '_WF_Initiator' missing in Workflow container

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 SWP111 - Element '_WF_Initiator' missing in Workflow container ?

  The SAP error message SWP111, which states "Element '_WF_Initiator' missing in Workflow container," typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow. This error indicates that the workflow is trying to access an element named _WF_Initiator in the workflow container, but it cannot find it. This element is usually expected to hold information about the user who initiated the workflow.
  Causes:
  
  Workflow Definition Issues: The workflow definition may not have been set up correctly, and the _WF_Initiator element is not being populated as expected.
  Container Element Not Defined: The workflow container may not have the _WF_Initiator element defined, or it may have been removed or renamed.
  Incorrect Workflow Triggering: The workflow might be triggered in a way that does not provide the necessary context for the _WF_Initiator element.
  Versioning Issues: If the workflow has been modified or updated, there may be inconsistencies between the workflow definition and the instances that are running.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Workflow Definition: 
  
  Open the workflow definition in the SAP Workflow Builder (transaction code SWDD).
  Ensure that the _WF_Initiator element is defined in the workflow container.
  If it is missing, you may need to add it back to the container.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Triggering:
  
  Check how the workflow is being triggered. Ensure that the triggering event or method is correctly passing the initiator information.
  If the workflow is initiated programmatically, ensure that the code is correctly setting the initiator.
  
  
  
  Test Workflow:
  
  After making changes, test the workflow to ensure that it runs without errors.
  Use transaction SWI1 to monitor workflow instances and check for any errors.
  
  
  
  Check for Updates:
  
  If the workflow has been recently modified, ensure that all instances are updated to the latest version of the workflow definition.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific workflow you are working with, as there may be known issues or additional configuration steps required.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD: Workflow Builder for creating and modifying workflows.
  SWI1: Work Item Selection for monitoring workflow instances.
  SWI2_FREQ: For analyzing workflow instances and their statuses.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the specific workflow or version of SAP you are using.
  
  
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider debugging the workflow to trace where the _WF_Initiator element is expected to be populated and why it is not.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the SWP111 error and implement a solution to resolve it.