How To Fix WF016 - Error transferring data to MEMORY (object &)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WF - Workflow: messages

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Error transferring data to MEMORY (object &)

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF016 - Error transferring data to MEMORY (object &) ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WF016 - Error transferring data to MEMORY (object &)
  
  Cause:
  The error WF016 typically occurs in SAP Workflow when the system fails to transfer data to the memory container during workflow execution. This usually happens because:
  
  The workflow container object (variable) is not properly defined or initialized.
  There is a mismatch between the data type of the container element and the data being passed.
  The object referenced in the workflow container does not exist or is not accessible.
  The memory area used for the workflow container is corrupted or insufficient.
  There is an issue with the workflow task or step trying to pass data to the container.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In SAP Workflow, data is passed between steps using the workflow container. Each container element has a name and a data type. When a step tries to transfer data to a container element, the system checks if the data type matches and if the container element exists. If this check fails, the system raises the WF016 error.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Container Element Definition:
  
  Go to the workflow builder (transaction SWDD).
  Open the workflow and check the container elements.
  Verify that the container element mentioned in the error message exists and is correctly defined.
  
  
  
  Verify Data Types:
  
  Ensure that the data type of the object being passed matches the container element's data type.
  If the data types differ, adjust the workflow container or the data being passed accordingly.
  
  
  
  Initialize Container Elements:
  
  Make sure that the container elements are properly initialized before data transfer.
  If necessary, initialize the container element with a default value or create the object instance before passing it.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Step Logic:
  
  Review the workflow step or method that transfers data to the container.
  Debug the workflow to see what data is being passed and where it fails.
  
  
  
  Check for Authorization or System Issues:
  
  Sometimes, authorization issues or system memory problems can cause this error.
  Verify that the user executing the workflow has the necessary authorizations.
  Check system logs (SM21) and memory usage.
  
  
  
  Transport and Version Consistency:
  
  If the workflow was transported from another system, ensure that all related objects (data types, classes, etc.) are consistent and transported properly.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWI1 - Workflow Log
  SWIA - Work Item Administration
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Runtime Analysis
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WF016 for specific patches or known issues.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use the workflow log (SWI1) to identify the exact step where the error occurs.
  Set breakpoints in the method or function module transferring data to the container.
  
  
  
  Common Scenario:
  
  Passing a complex object (e.g., a class instance) to a container element defined as a simple data type or vice versa.
  Missing or incorrect import/export parameters in the workflow step.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WF016 - Error transferring data to MEMORY (object &)
  
  
  Cause
  Mismatch or missing container element, incorrect data type, uninitialized object
  
  
  Solution
  Verify container elements, check data types, initialize objects, debug workflow step
  
  
  Tools
  SWDD, SWI1, SWIA, SWI2_FREQ, system logs
  
  
  Additional
  Check authorizations, system memory, transport consistency, SAP Notes for patches
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact object name or workflow step details, I can help you with more specific guidance.