How To Fix WD223 - Workflow container does not contain any elements with object references

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WD - Workflow definition

• Message number: 223

• Message text: Workflow container does not contain any elements with object references

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 WD223 - Workflow container does not contain any elements with object references ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WD223: Workflow container does not contain any elements with object references
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when the workflow container does not have any container elements that contain valid object references. In other words, the workflow expects certain container elements to hold object references (such as business objects or instances), but none are found or the container elements are empty or incorrectly defined.
  Common reasons include:
  
  The workflow container is empty or not properly filled before the step that requires object references.
  The container elements are defined but do not contain valid object references (e.g., the object reference is initial or missing).
  The workflow step or method expects an object reference in the container, but the workflow logic did not pass it correctly.
  Incorrect binding of container elements in the workflow definition.
  The workflow container elements are of the wrong type (not object references).
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Workflow Container Elements:
  
  Go to the workflow builder (transaction SWDD).
  Open the workflow and check the container elements.
  Verify that the container elements expected to hold object references are correctly defined as object references (type BOR Object or similar).
  
  
  
  Verify Container Binding:
  
  Check the binding of container elements between workflow steps.
  Ensure that the object references are correctly passed from one step to another.
  Make sure the container elements are filled with valid object references before the step that triggers the error.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Start Parameters:
  
  If the workflow is started with parameters, ensure that the object references are passed correctly at the start.
  
  
  
  Debug the Workflow:
  
  Use transaction SWUS or SWI1 to find the workflow instance.
  Use the workflow log to identify at which step the error occurs.
  Debug the workflow container content at runtime to see if the object references are present.
  
  
  
  Correct Object Reference Assignments:
  
  If the container element is empty, assign the correct object reference in the workflow step or method.
  If the object reference is missing due to a custom method or function module, fix the logic to return the correct object reference.
  
  
  
  Check BOR Object and Methods:
  
  Ensure that the business object repository (BOR) object and methods used in the workflow are correctly implemented and return valid object references.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWI1 - Workflow Log
  SWUS - Workflow Debugger
  SWO1 - Business Object Builder
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to workflow container and object references.
  Review SAP Help Portal documentation on Workflow container and BOR objects.
  
  
  
  Typical Scenario:
  
  When a workflow step calls a method on a BOR object, the container element must contain a valid object reference to that BOR object instance.
  If the container element is empty or not an object reference, the workflow engine raises WD223.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  WD223 indicates that the workflow container lacks elements with valid object references required for the workflow step. The fix involves verifying and correcting the container elements, ensuring proper binding and assignment of object references throughout the workflow.
  
  If you provide the specific workflow or step details, I can help you with more targeted advice.