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How To Fix WF_CONT010 - An object type must be specified for a reference to a business object


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WF_CONT - Workflow Container, Definition Time and Runtime

  • Message number: 010

  • Message text: An object type must be specified for a reference to a business object

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  • Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF_CONT010 - An object type must be specified for a reference to a business object ?

    Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WF_CONT010: "An object type must be specified for a reference to a business object":


    Error Message

    WF_CONT010: An object type must be specified for a reference to a business object


    Cause

    This error occurs in SAP Workflow when a workflow step or container element references a business object but the object type is not specified or is missing. In SAP Workflow, every reference to a business object instance must include the object type (e.g., BUS1006 for Purchase Requisition, BUS2012 for Purchase Order, etc.) along with the object key.

    Common scenarios causing this error:

    • The workflow container element that is supposed to hold a business object reference is not properly defined with an object type.
    • The workflow step or method call expects a business object reference, but the object type is not passed or is empty.
    • The workflow container element is defined as a generic data element (e.g., CHAR or NUMC) instead of a business object reference type.
    • The workflow is trying to use a reference to a business object but the object type is not assigned or incorrectly assigned in the workflow container or binding.

    Solution

    To resolve this error, you need to ensure that the workflow container element referencing the business object is correctly defined with the appropriate object type.

    Steps to fix:

    1. Check the Workflow Container:

      • Go to the workflow builder (transaction SWDD).
      • Open the workflow and check the container elements.
      • Verify that the container element that holds the business object reference is defined as type Object Reference and that the object type is specified correctly.
    2. Check Container Element Data Type:

      • The container element should not be a simple data type like CHAR or NUMC.
      • It should be defined as an object reference with the correct business object type (e.g., BUS2012).
    3. Check Binding of Container Elements:

      • Verify the binding of the container elements between steps or between the workflow container and the step container.
      • Make sure the object type is maintained during the binding.
    4. Check Method Parameters:

      • If the error occurs during a method call on a business object, ensure the method parameters are correctly defined and the object reference passed includes the object type.
    5. Use Transaction SWO1 to Check Business Object:

      • Use SWO1 to check the business object definition and confirm the object type name.
    6. Re-import or Re-define the Container Element:

      • If the container element was created manually, consider deleting and re-creating it as an object reference with the correct object type.

    Additional Information

    • Business Object Reference in Workflow:

      • In SAP Workflow, a business object reference consists of two parts:
        • Object Type (e.g., BUS2012)
        • Object Key (unique identifier of the instance)
      • Both must be present for the workflow engine to identify the object instance.
    • Common Transactions:

      • SWDD - Workflow Builder
      • SWO1 - Business Object Builder
      • SWU3 - Workflow Customizing (to check workflow settings)
    • Related Notes and Documentation:

      • SAP Note 102011 - "WF_CONT010: An object type must be specified for a reference to a business object"
      • SAP Help Portal on Workflow container elements and business object references.

    Summary

    Aspect Description
    Cause Missing or undefined object type in a business object reference in workflow container.
    Solution Define the container element as an object reference with the correct business object type.
    Checkpoints Workflow container element type, binding, method parameters, and business object definition.

    If you provide the specific workflow or step where this error occurs, I can help you with more targeted instructions.

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