How To Fix WF851 - Program error during authorization check (RC=& in &)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WF - Workflow: messages

• Message number: 851

• Message text: Program error during authorization check (RC=& in &)

What causes this issue?

An internal error occurred in the authorization check, which indicates
a programming error in the call or a modified authorization structure.

System Response

The authorization check was terminated with SY-SUBRC <(>&<)> (include
<(>&<)>).

How to fix this error?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

INCLUDE NA_WF-ADMINISTRATOR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF851 - Program error during authorization check (RC=& in &) ?

  The SAP error message:
  WF851 Program error during authorization check (RC=& in &)
  typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow when the system encounters an issue while performing an authorization check during workflow processing.
  
  Cause
  
  
  Authorization Check Failure in Workflow:
  
  The workflow runtime is trying to perform an authorization check on a user or object, but an error occurs in the underlying authorization check function/module.
  
  
  Return Code (RC) and Program Name Missing or Variable:
  
  The message contains placeholders RC=& in & which are replaced at runtime by the actual return code and program name. The return code (RC) indicates the result of the authorization check (e.g., 0 = success, non-zero = error).
  
  
  Possible reasons for the error include:  
  
  Missing or incorrect authorization objects for the user executing the workflow step.  
  Custom or standard authorization check function module called by the workflow is failing or raising an exception.  
  Inconsistent or incomplete user master data or role assignments.  
  A bug or inconsistency in the workflow container or the program performing the authorization check.
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the Return Code and Program Name:  
  
  Look at the full error message in the system log or workflow log to identify the actual return code and program name where the error occurred.  
  This will help pinpoint which authorization check failed.
  
  
  
  Analyze Authorization Objects:  
  
  Identify which authorization objects are checked in the workflow step or program.  
  Use transaction SU53 immediately after the error occurs to see the last failed authorization check for the user.  
  Check user roles and profiles in SU01 or PFCG to ensure the user has the necessary authorizations.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Logs:  
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to analyze workflow logs and identify the step causing the error.  
  Check the container elements and the program or method called during the authorization check.
  
  
  
  Debug the Authorization Check:  
  
  If you have development access, debug the program mentioned in the error message to see why the authorization check fails.  
  Check for custom authorization checks or enhancements that might cause the error.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes:  
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to message WF851 or authorization check errors in workflows.  
  Apply any relevant patches or corrections.
  
  
  
  General Authorization Troubleshooting:  
  
  Ensure that the user executing the workflow has the necessary authorizations for the business objects and transactions involved.  
  Check for missing authorizations in the workflow container or the task definition.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  SWI1 - Workflow log  
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow log for frequently run workflows  
  SU53 - Display last authorization check failure  
  SU01 - User maintenance  
  PFCG - Role maintenance
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and KBAs:  
  
  Search for "WF851" in SAP Support Portal for specific notes.  
  Common notes related to workflow authorization errors.
  
  
  
  SAP Help and Documentation:  
  
  SAP Help Portal: Workflow authorization concepts  
  SAP Community forums for similar issues
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Authorization check failure during workflow execution, often due to missing authorizations or errors in the check program.
  
  
  Solution
  Analyze return code and program, check user authorizations (SU53), review workflow logs (SWI1), debug if needed, apply SAP Notes.
  
  
  Related Info
  Transactions: SWI1, SU53, SU01, PFCG; SAP Notes on WF851; SAP Help on workflow authorization.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact return code and program name from the error message, I can help you further narrow down the cause and solution.