How To Fix WF899 - Worflow: DB error / inconsistency with '&' & &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WF - Workflow: messages

• Message number: 899

• Message text: Worflow: DB error / inconsistency with '&' & &

What causes this issue?

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

System Response

How to fix this error?

INCLUDE NA_WF-ADMINISTRATOR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF899 - Worflow: DB error / inconsistency with '&' & & ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WF899 Workflow: DB error / inconsistency with '&' & &
  
  Meaning / Cause
  The error message WF899 indicates that there is a database inconsistency or error related to the SAP Workflow engine. The placeholders & & &` in the message typically get replaced by specific details such as table names, keys, or error codes when the message is displayed in the system.
  Common causes include:
  
  Database inconsistencies in workflow tables (e.g., SWWWIHEAD, SWWCONT, SWWLOGHIST, etc.).
  Corrupted or incomplete workflow container data.
  Workflow runtime errors due to missing or inconsistent workflow objects.
  Problems during workflow runtime such as missing tasks, agents, or incorrect workflow definitions.
  Transport or system copy issues where workflow data was not properly migrated.
  Custom workflow modifications or enhancements causing data inconsistencies.
  Issues with workflow runtime environment or database locks.
  
  
  Typical Scenarios
  
  When a workflow instance is started or processed, the system tries to read or update workflow-related tables but finds inconsistent or missing data.
  When a workflow container element is accessed but the underlying data is missing or corrupted.
  During workflow restart or reprocessing of workflow tasks.
  After system copy or client copy where workflow tables were not properly adjusted.
  
  
  How to Analyze
  
  
  Check the detailed error message:
  
  Look at the short dump (transaction ST22) or workflow log (transaction SWI1, SWI2_FREQ, SWI2_DIAG) for more detailed information about the error.
  
  
  Identify the inconsistent object:
  
  The message usually contains the name of the table or object causing the inconsistency.
  
  
  Check workflow tables:
  
  Use SE16/SE16N to check the relevant workflow tables for inconsistencies or missing entries.
  
  
  Check workflow logs:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_DIAG to analyze the workflow instance and see where it fails.
  
  
  Check for recent changes:
  
  Review recent transports, workflow changes, or system copies that might have affected workflow data.
  
  
  
  Solutions / Workarounds
  
  
  Use SAP standard report to check and fix inconsistencies:
  SAP provides standard reports to check and fix workflow inconsistencies:
  
  RWSKREPAIR - Workflow repair tool to fix inconsistencies.
  RWSKREPAIR2 - Another repair report for workflow inconsistencies.
  RWSKREPAIR3 - For container inconsistencies.
  
  Run these reports in a test system first and analyze the results.
  
  
  Delete and restart the workflow instance:
  If the workflow instance is corrupted and cannot be repaired, consider deleting the instance and restarting it.
  
  
  Re-import or re-activate workflow definitions:
  Sometimes re-importing or re-activating the workflow definitions can fix inconsistencies.
  
  
  Check and fix workflow container elements:
  If the error relates to container elements, check the container definitions and data.
  
  
  Apply SAP Notes:
  Search for SAP Notes related to WF899 and your SAP system version. SAP Notes often provide corrections or instructions for known issues.
  
  
  System copy / client copy adjustments:
  If the error appeared after a system or client copy, run the workflow client copy adjustment report /SAPWF/CLIENT_COPY_ADJUST or follow SAP guidelines for workflow adjustments after system copies.
  
  
  Check authorizations:
  Sometimes missing authorizations can cause workflow runtime errors.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  SWI1 - Workflow log
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow tasks
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow diagnostics
  ST22 - ABAP short dumps
  SE16/SE16N - Table display
  SWU3 - Workflow customizing and consistency check
  
  
  
  Tables:
  
  SWWWIHEAD - Workflow header
  SWWCONT - Workflow container
  SWWLOGHIST - Workflow log history
  SWWUSERWI - User workflow instances
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes with keywords WF899, workflow database inconsistency, or related to your SAP version.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Database inconsistency or corruption in workflow tables or container data.
  
  
  Effect
  Workflow runtime errors, inability to process or start workflows.
  
  
  Solution
  Run SAP workflow repair reports (RWSKREPAIR), check workflow logs, fix or delete instances, re-import workflow definitions, apply SAP Notes.
  
  
  Tools
  Transactions SWI1, SWI2_DIAG, ST22, reports RWSKREPAIR, table checks via SE16.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact text replacing the placeholders & & &`, I can help you analyze the specific cause further.