How To Fix WER394 - Rule rank cannot be initial.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WER - Messages for the package WER

• Message number: 394

• Message text: Rule rank cannot be initial.

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WER394 - Rule rank cannot be initial. ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WER394 - Rule rank cannot be initial.
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when a rule used in the workflow has an undefined or initial rank value. In SAP Business Workflow, rules are assigned ranks to determine their priority or order of execution. If the system encounters a rule with an initial (empty or zero) rank, it cannot process the workflow correctly, leading to this error.
  Common scenarios causing this error include:
  
  A custom or standard rule has not been properly maintained or assigned a rank.
  The workflow or rule configuration is incomplete or corrupted.
  Transport or system copy issues where rule ranks were not transported or initialized correctly.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Rule Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction PFTC_RULE or SWO1 (depending on your SAP version) to display and maintain workflow rules.
  Verify that the rule in question has a valid rank assigned.
  If the rank is initial or missing, assign a proper rank value (usually a positive integer).
  
  
  
  Adjust Rule Rank:
  
  Use transaction SWPR (Workflow Rule Maintenance) to maintain the rule ranks.
  Ensure that no rule has a rank of zero or blank.
  
  
  
  Re-generate or Re-activate the Workflow:
  
  Sometimes, re-activating the workflow or regenerating the rule can resolve inconsistencies.
  Use transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder) to open the workflow and check the rules.
  Activate the workflow again.
  
  
  
  Check for Transport or System Copy Issues:
  
  If the error appeared after a system copy or transport, verify that all workflow objects and rules were transported correctly.
  Re-import or re-assign ranks if necessary.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If the above steps do not resolve the issue, debugging the workflow runtime or rule evaluation might be necessary.
  Use transaction SWUS or SWI1 to trace workflow errors and identify the problematic rule.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Workflow Rules: Rules in SAP Workflow define conditions and logic for workflow steps. Each rule has a rank to prioritize execution.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  PFTC_RULE – Maintain Workflow Rules
  SWPR – Workflow Rule Maintenance
  SWDD – Workflow Builder
  SWI1 – Workflow Log
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Service Marketplace for notes related to WER394 or workflow rule rank issues.
  SAP Help Portal: Refer to SAP Workflow documentation for detailed information on rules and their configuration.
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WER394 Rule rank cannot be initial indicates that a workflow rule is missing a valid rank. Assigning a proper rank to the rule and ensuring the workflow is correctly configured and activated will resolve the issue.