How To Fix WF_CONT011 - A structure must be specified for references to ABAP Dictionary

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 011

• Message text: A structure must be specified for references to ABAP Dictionary

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF_CONT011 - A structure must be specified for references to ABAP Dictionary ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WF_CONT011: "A structure must be specified for references to ABAP Dictionary":
  
  Error Message
  WF_CONT011: A structure must be specified for references to ABAP Dictionary
  
  Cause
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when you try to define a container element or a parameter that references an ABAP Dictionary object, but the reference is not a structure (i.e., a table type or a data element that is not a structure).
  In SAP Workflow container elements, when you specify a reference to an ABAP Dictionary object, the system expects the reference to be a structure (a complex data type with multiple fields), not a simple data element or elementary type.
  Common scenarios causing this error:
  
  You have assigned a container element or parameter to a data element or domain that is elementary (e.g., CHAR, NUMC, INT) instead of a structure (e.g., a DDIC structure or table type).
  You are trying to use a table type or data element that is not a structure as a reference.
  The workflow container element or task parameter is incorrectly defined with a reference type that is not a structure.
  
  
  Solution
  To resolve this error, ensure that the container element or parameter that references an ABAP Dictionary object is defined as a structure type.
  Steps to fix:
  
  
  Check the container element or parameter definition:
  
  Go to the workflow container or task container.
  Check the data type of the element or parameter causing the error.
  
  
  
  Use a structure type:
  
  If the element is referencing an elementary data element (e.g., CHAR10), change it to reference a structure.
  You can create a structure in the ABAP Dictionary (SE11) that contains the required fields.
  Alternatively, use an existing structure that fits your data requirements.
  
  
  
  Adjust the reference type:
  
  In the workflow container element or task parameter, specify the reference type as the structure name.
  For example, instead of referencing CHAR10, reference a structure like ZMY_STRUCTURE.
  
  
  
  If you need to pass elementary types:
  
  Use elementary types without reference, or wrap them inside a structure.
  Alternatively, use elementary types as direct data elements, not as references.
  
  
  
  Re-activate the workflow:
  
  After making the changes, activate the workflow and test again.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information
  
  
  Workflow container elements can be of type:
  
  Elementary data types (e.g., INT, CHAR)
  Reference types (pointers to dictionary objects)
  Structures (complex types)
  
  
  
  When you specify a reference to an ABAP Dictionary object, the system expects a structure because the workflow engine needs to know the fields and their types.
  
  
  This error is common when importing parameters from function modules or methods into workflow container elements, and the data types are not structures.
  
  
  If you are using a function module or method in the workflow, check the importing/exporting parameters and their types.
  
  
  
  Example
  Suppose you have a container element CUSTOMER_DATA defined as a reference to KUNNR (Customer Number), which is a data element of type CHAR10. This will cause the error because KUNNR is not a structure.
  Correct approach:
  
  Create a structure ZCUSTOMER_STRUCT in SE11 with fields like KUNNR, NAME, ADDRESS, etc.
  Define CUSTOMER_DATA as a reference to ZCUSTOMER_STRUCT.
  Use this structure in your workflow container.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Container element or parameter references an elementary data element instead of a structure.
  
  
  Solution
  Change the reference to point to a structure type in the ABAP Dictionary.
  
  
  Where to check
  Workflow container elements, task container parameters, function module/method parameters.
  
  
  Additional
  Elementary types can be used directly, but references must be structures.
  
  
  
  
  If you need help identifying the exact container element or parameter causing the issue, you can check the workflow definition in transaction SWDD or the task container in PFTC.
  
  If you want, I can help you with the exact steps in your system or with creating the structure. Just let me know!