How To Fix WF018 - Error when reading status log

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WF - Workflow: messages

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Error when reading status log

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF018 - Error when reading status log ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WF018 - Error when reading status log
  
  Cause:
  The error message WF018 typically occurs in SAP Workflow when the system encounters an issue while trying to read the status log of a workflow container or workflow instance. This can happen due to:
  
  Inconsistencies or corruption in the workflow runtime tables (e.g., SWWLOGH, SWWLOGI).
  Missing or incomplete entries in the workflow log tables.
  Authorization issues preventing access to the workflow log.
  Database inconsistencies or locks on workflow log tables.
  Problems with the workflow runtime environment or transport inconsistencies.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Workflow Log Tables:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 (Workflow Log) to check if the workflow logs are accessible.
  If logs are missing or corrupted, consider reprocessing or restarting the workflow.
  
  
  
  Database Consistency:
  
  Run database consistency checks on workflow tables (SWWLOGH, SWWLOGI, SWWLOGCONT).
  Use transaction SE14 to check and activate the database tables related to workflow.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Verify that the user executing the workflow or viewing the log has the necessary authorizations.
  Check roles and authorizations related to workflow (e.g., S_WF_WI*).
  
  
  
  Workflow Runtime Environment:
  
  Restart the workflow runtime environment using transaction SWU3 (Automatic Workflow Customizing).
  Check for any recent transport or system changes that might have affected workflow runtime.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Patches:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes that address known issues with workflow logs.
  Apply any recommended patches or support packages.
  
  
  
  Rebuild Workflow Logs:
  
  In some cases, it might be necessary to delete and rebuild workflow logs for problematic workflow instances.
  Use transaction SWI2_FREQ to identify frequently running workflows and analyze logs.
  
  
  
  Check for Locks:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for locks on workflow log tables and release if necessary.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  SWI1 - Workflow Log
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Runtime Analysis
  SWU3 - Automatic Workflow Customizing
  SE14 - Database Utility
  SM12 - Lock Entries
  
  
  
  Tables:
  
  SWWLOGH - Workflow Log Header
  SWWLOGI - Workflow Log Items
  SWWLOGCONT - Workflow Log Container
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes related to WF018 or workflow log errors.
  Example note numbers might vary depending on SAP version and patch level.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  WF018 error indicates a problem reading the workflow status log, often due to data inconsistencies, authorization issues, or runtime environment problems. The resolution involves checking workflow logs, verifying authorizations, ensuring database consistency, and possibly applying SAP Notes or patches.
  If the problem persists after these steps, consider raising a support ticket with SAP, providing detailed logs and system information.