How To Fix WD242 - Workflow Builder cannot be started in CALL mode

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WD - Workflow definition

• Message number: 242

• Message text: Workflow Builder cannot be started in CALL mode

What causes this issue?

The Workflow Builder can only be started once within a session.

System Response

The call of the Workflow Builder was cancelled.

How to fix this error?

Please use the alphanumeric workflow editor.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WD242 - Workflow Builder cannot be started in CALL mode ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WD242 - Workflow Builder cannot be started in CALL mode
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to start the SAP Workflow Builder (transaction SWDD) in CALL mode instead of the standard Dialog mode. The Workflow Builder is a graphical tool used to design and edit workflows, and it requires a full dialog session to run properly. CALL mode is typically used for programmatic or background calls, which do not support the interactive GUI elements needed by the Workflow Builder.
  In other words, the Workflow Builder cannot be launched from within a program or a non-interactive session (CALL mode). It must be started in a normal user dialog session.
  
  Explanation:
  
  CALL mode: When a program calls a function module or transaction in a non-interactive way (e.g., background job, or via CALL TRANSACTION with mode 'N' or 'E'), the system is in CALL mode.
  Dialog mode: The normal interactive mode where the user can interact with the SAP GUI.
  
  The Workflow Builder requires dialog mode because it is a complex GUI tool that cannot run in a non-interactive environment.
  
  Solution:
  
  Start the Workflow Builder in Dialog mode:
  
  Use transaction code SWDD directly from the SAP GUI command field.
  Do not call the Workflow Builder from within a program or via a non-interactive call.
  
  
  If you are trying to automate or script workflow design, this is not supported. Workflow design must be done interactively.
  If you are running a custom program or script that tries to call the Workflow Builder, modify it to avoid calling SWDD in CALL mode.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction: SWDD (Workflow Builder)
  SAP Note: There might be SAP Notes related to this error if it occurs in specific contexts, but generally, this is a usage issue rather than a system error.
  SAP Help: Workflow Builder requires a GUI session.
  Typical scenario: Developers or users trying to open the Workflow Builder from within a program or background job.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Workflow Builder started in CALL (non-dialog) mode instead of dialog mode.
  
  
  Effect
  Error message WD242 is raised, and the builder does not start.
  
  
  Solution
  Start Workflow Builder (SWDD) directly in SAP GUI (dialog mode). Avoid calling it programmatically or in background.
  
  
  
  
  If you need to open the Workflow Builder, simply enter /nSWDD in the SAP GUI command field and press Enter. Avoid calling it from ABAP programs or background jobs.