How To Fix WD270 - Time interval for workflow start or work item start cannot be negative

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WD - Workflow definition

• Message number: 270

• Message text: Time interval for workflow start or work item start cannot be negative

What causes this issue?

The time interval entered for deadline monitoring must therefore only
have a negative value if <LB>expression
</> has been choosen as the reference time.

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?

Change the time interval or choose <LB>expression</> as the reference
time.

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 WD270 - Time interval for workflow start or work item start cannot be negative ?

  The SAP error message WD270: "Time interval for workflow start or work item start cannot be negative" typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow or Web Dynpro applications when a time interval parameter related to workflow start or work item start is set to a negative value, which is not allowed.
  
  Cause
  
  The error arises because a time interval parameter (such as a delay or deadline for starting a workflow or a work item) is specified with a negative value.
  This can happen due to incorrect configuration, wrong input data, or a programming error where the time interval is calculated or passed incorrectly.
  For example, if a workflow step is scheduled to start at a time before the current time, the system interprets the interval as negative.
  In Web Dynpro applications, this might occur if the time interval parameter passed to a workflow start method or work item start method is negative.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the Time Interval Values:
  
  Review the workflow definition or the code where the workflow or work item start time interval is set.
  Ensure that the time interval (delay, deadline, or start offset) is always zero or positive.
  
  
  
  Correct the Input Data:
  
  If the time interval is derived from user input or external data, validate and sanitize the input to prevent negative values.
  
  
  
  Debug the Workflow or Application:
  
  Use transaction SWUS (Workflow Builder) or SWI1 (Work Item Selection) to analyze the workflow steps and their timing.
  Check the ABAP code or Web Dynpro component where the workflow start method is called.
  Look for calculations or parameters that might result in negative intervals.
  
  
  
  Adjust Workflow Timing Settings:
  
  In the workflow definition, check the start conditions and deadlines.
  Modify any time-related parameters to ensure they are non-negative.
  
  
  
  Patch or Update:
  
  If this is caused by a known bug, check SAP Notes for relevant corrections.
  Apply any recommended patches or support packages.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  SAP Transactions:
  
  SWUS - Workflow Builder
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection
  SWIA - Workflow Administration
  SE80 or SE24 - For checking Web Dynpro components or classes
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search for notes related to message WD270 or workflow timing issues.
  
  
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  Workflow triggered with a start delay calculated dynamically.
  Work item deadlines or escalation times set incorrectly.
  Web Dynpro applications invoking workflows with incorrect parameters.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error Message
  WD270: Time interval for workflow start or work item start cannot be negative
  
  
  Cause
  Negative time interval value passed for workflow or work item start
  
  
  Solution
  Ensure time intervals are zero or positive; validate input; correct workflow timing
  
  
  Tools
  SWUS, SWI1, SWIA, SE80, SE24
  
  
  Additional
  Check SAP Notes for patches or known issues
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific context or code snippet where this error occurs, I can help you analyze it further.