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How To Fix WF801 - An error has occurred and is to be processed


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WF - Workflow: messages

  • Message number: 801

  • Message text: An error has occurred and is to be processed

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  • Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF801 - An error has occurred and is to be processed ?

    Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message WF801: "An error has occurred and is to be processed":


    SAP Error Message: WF801

    Message Text:
    An error has occurred and is to be processed


    1. Cause

    The error message WF801 is a generic workflow error indicating that an error has occurred during the processing of a workflow task or step. This message is usually raised when the SAP Workflow runtime detects an issue that prevents the normal continuation of the workflow.

    Common causes include:

    • Errors in Workflow Container Elements: Missing or incorrect data in the workflow container.
    • Incorrect or Missing Agent Assignments: The workflow step cannot find a valid agent (user or role) to process the task.
    • Errors in Workflow Methods or Tasks: The method or task called by the workflow step fails due to runtime errors.
    • Authorization Issues: The user or system does not have the required authorizations to execute the workflow step.
    • System or Interface Errors: Communication problems with external systems or RFC errors.
    • Custom Workflow Logic Errors: Errors in custom code (e.g., in workflow methods, user exits, or BADIs).
    • Workflow Runtime Errors: Internal SAP workflow runtime errors or inconsistencies.

    2. Solution

    To resolve the WF801 error, follow these steps:

    Step 1: Analyze the Workflow Log

    • Go to transaction SWI1 (Workflow Log) or SWI2_FREQ (Workflow Log for a specific workflow).
    • Find the workflow instance that raised the error.
    • Check the detailed workflow log to identify the exact step or method where the error occurred.
    • Look for error messages or dumps linked to the workflow step.

    Step 2: Check the Workflow Container

    • Verify that all required container elements are correctly filled.
    • Use transaction SWDD to inspect the workflow definition and container elements.
    • Ensure that the data passed to the workflow step is valid and complete.

    Step 3: Verify Agent Assignments

    • Check if the workflow step has valid agent assignments.
    • Use transaction SWI2_DIAG or SWI6 to check agent determination.
    • Ensure that the agents (users or roles) exist and are active.

    Step 4: Check Authorization

    • Verify that the user executing the workflow has the necessary authorizations.
    • Use transaction SU53 after the error occurs to check authorization failures.
    • Adjust roles or authorizations as needed.

    Step 5: Debug or Check Custom Code

    • If the workflow step calls custom methods or user exits, debug the code to find runtime errors.
    • Use transaction SE80 or SE24 to inspect the classes/methods.
    • Check for exceptions or errors in the custom logic.

    Step 6: Check System Logs and Dumps

    • Use transaction ST22 to check for short dumps related to the workflow error.
    • Use transaction SM21 to check system logs for related errors.

    Step 7: Restart or Reset Workflow Instance

    • Sometimes, restarting the workflow instance or resetting the error status helps.
    • Use transaction SWUS to reset the workflow.
    • Use transaction SWI1 to restart the workflow step.

    3. Related Information

    • Transaction Codes:

      • SWI1 – Workflow Log
      • SWI2_FREQ – Workflow Log for a specific workflow
      • SWDD – Workflow Builder (to check workflow definitions)
      • SWI2_DIAG – Workflow Diagnosis
      • SWI6 – Agent Overview
      • ST22 – ABAP Runtime Errors (Dumps)
      • SM21 – System Log
      • SU53 – Authorization Check
    • SAP Notes:

      • Check SAP Notes related to workflow errors and WF801 for specific patches or known issues.
      • Example SAP Note: SAP Note 123456 (replace with actual note number if known)
    • Documentation:

      • SAP Help Portal: Workflow Error Handling
      • SAP Community forums for similar issues and solutions.

    Summary

    Aspect Details
    Cause Generic workflow runtime error due to container issues, agent assignment, authorization, or custom code errors.
    Solution Analyze workflow log, check container data, verify agent assignments, check authorizations, debug custom code, check system logs, restart workflow.
    Related Info Transactions: SWI1, SWI2_FREQ, SWDD, SWI2_DIAG, SWI6, ST22, SM21, SU53; SAP Notes and documentation.

    If you provide the workflow ID or more context (e.g., workflow step, task, or error details), I can help you with a more specific diagnosis.

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