How To Fix WF052 - The state & does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WF - Workflow: messages

• Message number: 052

• Message text: The state & does not exist

Self-Explanatory Message

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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 WF052 - The state & does not exist ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WF052 - The state & does not exist
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when the system tries to set or check a workflow container element or a task status against a workflow state that is not defined or does not exist in the workflow system. The placeholder "&" in the message is replaced by the actual state name that the system could not find.
  Common scenarios include:
  
  The workflow is referencing a state that has been deleted or never created.
  Custom workflow states are used but not properly maintained or activated.
  There is a mismatch or typo in the state name in the workflow definition or in the code.
  The workflow runtime is trying to set a status/state that is invalid or unknown.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Workflow Definition:
  
  Go to transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder).
  Open the workflow in question.
  Verify the states defined in the workflow container and the tasks.
  Ensure that the state referenced in the error message exists and is correctly spelled.
  
  
  
  Check Custom States:
  
  If you are using custom workflow states, verify that they are properly created and activated.
  Use transaction SWU3 (Workflow Customizing) to check workflow configuration.
  Check if the state is maintained in the relevant customizing tables or configuration.
  
  
  
  Check the Code or Business Object:
  
  If the state is set programmatically (e.g., via method calls or container assignments), verify the code for correct state names.
  Check the business object methods or event handlers that might be setting the state.
  Use transaction SWO1 to check the business object and its states.
  
  
  
  Transport and System Consistency:
  
  If the workflow was transported from another system, ensure that all related workflow objects, including states, were transported correctly.
  Sometimes missing transports cause inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Re-activate the Workflow:
  
  Sometimes re-activating the workflow in SWDD can resolve inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WF052 for any known bugs or patches.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWO1 - Business Object Builder
  SWU3 - Workflow Customizing
  SWI1 - Workflow Log
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Runtime Analysis
  
  
  
  SAP Help:
  
  SAP Workflow documentation on states and container elements.
  Business object states and their maintenance.
  
  
  
  Common SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes related to WF052.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WF052 "The state & does not exist" indicates that the workflow is trying to use a state that is not defined in the system. The fix involves verifying and correcting the workflow states in the workflow definition, business objects, or custom code, ensuring all necessary workflow components are properly maintained and activated.