How To Fix WD140 - Element &1 uses proxy structure &2; no support for changes

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WD - Workflow definition

• Message number: 140

• Message text: Element &1 uses proxy structure &2; no support for changes

What causes this issue?

A proxy structure is used. When changes are made to the structure, data
can be lost.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Use the structure defined locally in the DDIC. When changes are made to
a DDIC structure, the workflow container may react accordingly.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WD140 - Element &1 uses proxy structure &2; no support for changes ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WD140 Element &1 uses proxy structure &2; no support for changes
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in Web Dynpro ABAP when you try to modify (e.g., add, delete, or change) an element of a context node or structure that is based on a proxy structure. Proxy structures are generated automatically by SAP from external service metadata (such as from a Web Service or an RFC proxy). These structures are read-only in the Web Dynpro context because they are tightly coupled to the external service interface.
  In other words, the element &1 (context element) is using a proxy structure &2 (the underlying data type), and SAP does not allow you to change the structure of proxy elements in the Web Dynpro context because they are generated and maintained externally.
  
  Explanation:
  
  Proxy structures are generated from external service definitions (e.g., SOA services, RFC proxies).
  These structures are imported into your Web Dynpro component context.
  Since they reflect external service interfaces, SAP restricts any changes to their structure to avoid inconsistencies.
  Attempting to add or remove context elements or change the structure of these proxy elements triggers this error.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Do not modify proxy structures directly in the Web Dynpro context.
  
  Instead, use the proxy structure as-is.
  
  
  If you need to extend or modify the data structure:
  
  Create a custom context node or structure in your Web Dynpro component.
  Map or copy the data from the proxy structure to your custom structure.
  Perform your changes or additions on this custom structure.
  Use this custom structure for your UI and business logic.
  
  
  
  If you need to extend the proxy structure itself:
  
  Check if the external service or proxy can be extended on the service side (e.g., extend the service metadata or proxy class).
  Regenerate the proxy with the extended structure.
  Then import the updated proxy into your Web Dynpro component.
  
  
  
  Avoid trying to add or delete elements directly in the context node that is based on the proxy structure.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Proxy structures are generated in transaction SPROXY.
  Web Dynpro context nodes based on proxy structures are read-only in terms of structure.
  For data manipulation, always use intermediate custom structures or context nodes.
  See SAP Note or documentation on Web Dynpro context and proxy integration.
  SAP Help Portal: Web Dynpro ABAP Context and Proxy Integration.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to change a context element based on a proxy structure (read-only, auto-generated).
  
  
  Solution
  Use a custom context structure for changes; do not modify proxy structures directly.
  
  
  Related Info
  Proxy structures generated in SPROXY; Web Dynpro context nodes based on proxies are read-only.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact scenario or code snippet where this error occurs, I can help you with a more specific workaround or example.