How To Fix WD038 - Only alphanumeric Workflow Builder available

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WD - Workflow definition

• Message number: 038

• Message text: Only alphanumeric Workflow Builder available

What causes this issue?

You are not using SAP GUI for Windows to work with the Workflow
Builder. However, the Workflow Builder was optimized as a development
platform for workflow definitions for use with SAP GUI for Windows.

System Response

The Workflow Builder cannot be started in the graphical modeling view,
only in the alphanumeric modeling view. This setting is also recorded
in your personal settings so this message will not appear the next time
the Workflow Builder is called.

How to fix this error?

If you start the Workflow Builder again when using SAP GUI for Windows
and want to use the graphical modeling view, you must select this
modeling view in the Workflow Builder options after the Workflow
Builder has been started.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WD038 - Only alphanumeric Workflow Builder available ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WD038: Only alphanumeric Workflow Builder available
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to use the Workflow Builder in SAP Web Dynpro (WD) but the system only supports the alphanumeric Workflow Builder. This typically happens because the system or the user interface is configured to use the older or limited version of the Workflow Builder that supports only alphanumeric characters, not the newer graphical or enhanced versions.
  In other words, the system environment or the installed components do not support the full graphical Workflow Builder, and only the basic alphanumeric (text-based) Workflow Builder is available.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  When you try to open or create a workflow in the Web Dynpro environment.
  When the system or user interface settings restrict the Workflow Builder to alphanumeric mode.
  Possibly due to missing or incompatible components or patches in the SAP system.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check SAP GUI and Web Dynpro Components:
  
  Ensure that the SAP GUI and Web Dynpro components are up to date and properly installed.
  The graphical Workflow Builder requires certain SAP GUI versions and Web Dynpro components.
  
  
  
  Use the Correct Workflow Builder:
  
  If you want to use the graphical Workflow Builder, make sure you are accessing the workflow via the correct transaction or interface that supports it.
  For example, use transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder) in SAP GUI rather than trying to open workflows via Web Dynpro applications that might only support alphanumeric mode.
  
  
  
  Check User Settings and Authorizations:
  
  Verify that your user has the necessary authorizations to use the graphical Workflow Builder.
  Sometimes, limited authorizations restrict the Workflow Builder to alphanumeric mode.
  
  
  
  System Configuration:
  
  Check if the system is configured to support graphical workflows.
  This might involve checking the installed SAP Basis components and workflow runtime environment.
  
  
  
  Patch and Upgrade:
  
  If the system is outdated, apply the latest Support Packages or Notes related to Workflow and Web Dynpro.
  SAP Notes might address this issue by updating components or fixing bugs.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction SWDD: The standard SAP GUI transaction to open the graphical Workflow Builder.
  Workflow Builder Types:
  
  Alphanumeric Workflow Builder: Text-based, limited functionality.
  Graphical Workflow Builder: Full-featured, graphical interface for designing workflows.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Search for notes related to "WD038" or "Workflow Builder" for specific patches or fixes.
  SAP Help Portal: Documentation on Workflow Builder and Web Dynpro integration.
  User Authorizations: Check roles and authorizations related to workflow development (e.g., S_WF_BSWF, S_WF_WI).
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WD038 Only alphanumeric Workflow Builder available indicates that the system or interface you are using supports only the basic text-based Workflow Builder. To resolve this, ensure you are using the correct transaction (SWDD), have the necessary authorizations, and that your SAP system components are up to date and configured to support the graphical Workflow Builder.
  
  If you need further assistance, please provide details about your SAP system version, how you are accessing the Workflow Builder, and any recent changes or updates applied.