How To Fix SWR109 - Workflow start XML document cannot be read

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWR - Business Workflow: WAPI Interfaces

• Message number: 109

• Message text: Workflow start XML document cannot be read

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 SWR109 - Workflow start XML document cannot be read ?

  The SAP error message SWR109, which states "Workflow start XML document cannot be read," typically occurs when there is an issue with the XML document that is being used to initiate a workflow in SAP. This error can arise from various causes, and here are some common reasons along with potential solutions:
  Causes:
  
  Malformed XML Document: The XML document may not be well-formed or may contain syntax errors that prevent it from being parsed correctly.
  Encoding Issues: The XML document may have encoding issues, such as incorrect character encoding that does not match the expected format.
  Missing or Incorrect Data: Required fields in the XML document may be missing or incorrectly populated, leading to parsing errors.
  Transport Issues: If the XML document is being transmitted over a network, there may be issues with the transport layer that corrupt the document.
  Authorization Issues: The user or system trying to read the XML document may not have the necessary permissions to access it.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Validate the XML Document: Use an XML validator tool to check the structure and syntax of the XML document. Ensure that it adheres to the required schema.
  Check Encoding: Ensure that the XML document is saved with the correct encoding (e.g., UTF-8) and that the encoding declaration in the XML header matches the actual encoding.
  Review Required Fields: Verify that all required fields in the XML document are present and correctly populated. Refer to the workflow definition to ensure compliance.
  Test Transport Layer: If the XML document is being sent over a network, check for any issues in the transport layer that might be causing corruption. You can try sending the document again or using a different method of transmission.
  Check Authorizations: Ensure that the user or system has the necessary authorizations to access and read the XML document. Review the roles and permissions assigned to the user.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Workflow Configuration: Review the workflow configuration in SAP to ensure that it is set up correctly and that the XML document is being generated as expected.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  Debugging: If you have access to the SAP system, consider using transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Selection - Frequency) to analyze the workflow instances and identify any issues.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or Workflow team for further assistance, as they may have more insights into the specific configuration and environment.