How To Fix WD401 - Workflow definition '&' not in version '&'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WD - Workflow definition

• Message number: 401

• Message text: Workflow definition '&' not in version '&'

What causes this issue?

The workflow definition with the ID &V1& in version &V2& could not be
read from the database.

System Response

The call to the Workflow Builder had to be cancelled.

How to fix this error?

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

INCLUDE NA_WF-ADMINISTRATOR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WD401 - Workflow definition '&' not in version '&' ?

  The SAP error message:
  WD401 Workflow definition '&' not in version '&'
  typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow or Web Dynpro ABAP when the system cannot find a specified workflow definition in the expected version.
  
  Explanation / Cause
  
  The message means that the workflow definition with a certain name (first '&' placeholder) is not found in the specified version (second '&' placeholder).
  This usually happens when:
  
  The workflow definition has not been imported or activated in the system.
  The workflow version specified in the call or configuration does not exist.
  There is a mismatch between the workflow version expected by the application and the versions available in the system.
  The workflow repository is inconsistent or the workflow is deleted or not transported properly.
  In Web Dynpro ABAP, the workflow definition might be referenced in the component or application but is missing or inactive.
  
  
  
  
  Common Scenarios
  
  Calling a workflow by name and version, but the version is not available.
  Transport issues where the workflow was not transported to the target system.
  Development or customization where the workflow was changed but not activated.
  Using a workflow in Web Dynpro or other UI technologies that reference a workflow definition that is missing.
  
  
  How to Check / Diagnose
  
  
  Check Workflow Definitions:
  
  Use transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder) to open the workflow definition.
  Verify that the workflow with the given name exists.
  Check the versions available (via menu Workflow ? Versions).
  Confirm that the version mentioned in the error message exists and is active.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Activation:
  
  Make sure the workflow is activated.
  If not, activate the workflow in SWDD.
  
  
  
  Check Transport Requests:
  
  Verify that the workflow was transported correctly to the system where the error occurs.
  If missing, import the transport or recreate the workflow.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Configuration:
  
  If the workflow is called programmatically or via configuration, verify the version parameter.
  Sometimes the version is hardcoded or configured in customizing or Web Dynpro components.
  
  
  
  Check Web Dynpro or Application References:
  
  If the error occurs in Web Dynpro, check the component or application configuration for workflow references.
  Make sure the workflow name and version are correct.
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  Activate the workflow definition in the system if it is inactive.
  Import or transport the missing workflow definition/version into the system.
  Correct the workflow version in the calling program or configuration to match an existing version.
  If the workflow version is not important, you can try to call the latest version or omit the version parameter if possible.
  Rebuild or regenerate the Web Dynpro component if it references an outdated workflow.
  If the workflow was deleted accidentally, restore it from backup or recreate it.
  
  
  Additional Notes
  
  Workflow versions are important because SAP allows multiple versions of the same workflow to coexist.
  Always ensure that the workflow version used in runtime matches an active version in the system.
  For transport and system landscape consistency, workflows should be transported properly.
  If you are unsure about the version, you can check the workflow versions in SWDD or use report RSWF_VERSION_LIST to list workflow versions.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Workflow definition with given name not found in specified version
  
  
  Where
  SAP Business Workflow, Web Dynpro ABAP, or any application calling workflows
  
  
  Solution
  Activate workflow, import missing version, correct version in configuration or code
  
  
  Check with
  Transaction SWDD, report RSWF_VERSION_LIST, transport logs, Web Dynpro component config
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact workflow name and version from the error message, I can help you with more specific steps.