How To Fix WER172 - Element &1 could not be saved

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WER - Messages for the package WER

• Message number: 172

• Message text: Element &1 could not be saved

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WER172 - Element &1 could not be saved ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WER172 - Element &1 could not be saved
  
  Cause:
  The error message WER172 typically occurs when an attempt to save a particular element (such as a work breakdown structure (WBS) element, network activity, or other project system object) fails. The placeholder &1 is replaced by the name or ID of the element that could not be saved.
  Common causes include:
  
  Data inconsistencies or validation errors: The element does not meet required validation rules or mandatory fields are missing.
  Authorization issues: The user does not have sufficient permissions to save or change the element.
  Lock conflicts: The element is locked by another user or process.
  Technical issues: Database or system errors preventing the save operation.
  Custom enhancements or user exits: Custom code interfering with the save process.
  Status or lifecycle restrictions: The element is in a status that does not allow changes.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WER172 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check the detailed error log:
  
  Look for additional messages or short dumps (transaction ST22) that provide more context.
  Use transaction CN41 or CJ20N (for project system elements) to check the element status and details.
  
  
  
  Verify mandatory fields and data consistency:
  
  Ensure all required fields are filled correctly.
  Check for any inconsistencies or invalid data entries.
  
  
  
  Check authorizations:
  
  Verify that the user has the necessary roles and authorizations to edit and save the element.
  Use transaction SU53 immediately after the error to check for missing authorizations.
  
  
  
  Check for locks:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to see if the element is locked by another user or process.
  If locked, coordinate with the user or release the lock if appropriate.
  
  
  
  Review status and lifecycle:
  
  Confirm that the element is in a status that allows changes.
  Some statuses may restrict editing or saving.
  
  
  
  Check for custom code or enhancements:
  
  Review any user exits, BAdIs, or enhancements that might affect saving the element.
  Debug or temporarily disable custom code to isolate the issue.
  
  
  
  Technical troubleshooting:
  
  Check system logs (SM21) and database consistency.
  If necessary, involve BASIS or SAP support.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction codes:
  
  CJ20N – Project Builder (for WBS elements)
  CN41 – Overview of WBS elements
  SM12 – Lock entries
  SU53 – Authorization check
  ST22 – Dump analysis
  SM21 – System log
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to message WER172 and the specific object type you are working with.
  
  
  
  Common scenarios:
  
  In Project System (PS), WER172 often appears when saving WBS elements or network activities.
  In Plant Maintenance (PM) or other modules, similar issues can occur with different elements.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  WER172 Element &1 could not be saved indicates a failure to save a specific element due to data, authorization, lock, or system issues. Investigate detailed logs, check data and authorizations, ensure no locks exist, and verify system status to resolve the problem.