How To Fix SWP186 - ROLLBACK error; transaction state inconsistent

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWP - WFM: Messages

• Message number: 186

• Message text: ROLLBACK error; transaction state inconsistent

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 SWP186 - ROLLBACK error; transaction state inconsistent ?

  The SAP error message SWP186 indicates a "ROLLBACK error; transaction state inconsistent." This error typically occurs in the context of workflow processing in SAP, particularly when there is an issue with the transaction state during the execution of a workflow.
  Causes:
  
  Database Lock Issues: The error may arise if there are locks on database entries that the workflow is trying to access or modify.
  Inconsistent Workflow State: If a workflow instance is in an inconsistent state due to a previous error or interruption, it may lead to this rollback error.
  System Errors: General system errors, such as memory issues or problems with the application server, can also lead to this error.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration of the workflow or related components can cause inconsistencies.
  Custom Code: If there is custom code involved in the workflow, it may not handle exceptions properly, leading to inconsistent states.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Workflow Logs: Review the workflow logs to identify the specific step or action that caused the error. This can provide insights into what went wrong.
  Transaction Management: Ensure that transactions are being managed correctly. If there are nested transactions, make sure they are being committed or rolled back appropriately.
  Database Locks: Use transaction management tools to check for locks on the database. You may need to release locks or resolve conflicts.
  Restart Workflow: If the workflow is in an inconsistent state, you may need to restart it. This can sometimes clear up transient issues.
  Review Custom Code: If there is custom code involved, review it for proper error handling and transaction management.
  System Health Check: Perform a health check on the SAP system to ensure that there are no underlying issues affecting performance or stability.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide patches.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) and SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Overview) to monitor and manage workflows.
  SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance, especially if it is affecting critical business processes.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to workflow management for best practices and troubleshooting steps.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the SWP186 error effectively.