How To Fix WF_CONT052 - Data type & does not exist or is not active

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 052

• Message text: Data type & does not exist or is not active

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF_CONT052 - Data type & does not exist or is not active ?

  The SAP error message WF_CONT052: Data type & does not exist or is not active typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow. Here's a detailed explanation of the cause, solution, and related information:
  
  Cause
  
  The error indicates that a data type referenced in the workflow container or workflow definition does not exist in the system or is inactive.
  This usually happens when:
  
  A custom or standard data type used in the workflow container or task has been deleted, renamed, or not yet activated.
  The workflow was imported or transported from another system where the data type exists, but it is missing or inactive in the current system.
  The workflow container element references a data type that is not yet generated or activated in the ABAP Dictionary (SE11).
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the Data Type in SE11:
  
  Go to transaction SE11 (Data Dictionary).
  Enter the data type name mentioned in the error message.
  Check if the data type exists and is active.
  If it does not exist, you need to create or import it.
  If it exists but is inactive, activate it.
  
  
  
  Activate the Data Type:
  
  If the data type is inactive, activate it by clicking the Activate button in SE11.
  Sometimes, activation errors occur due to missing dependencies; resolve those first.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Container Elements:
  
  Go to transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder).
  Open the workflow that causes the error.
  Check the container elements and verify the data types assigned to each element.
  Correct any incorrect or missing data type references.
  
  
  
  Transport and Import Issues:
  
  If the workflow or data type was transported from another system, ensure that all dependent objects (data types, structures, classes) are also transported and activated.
  Re-import or re-activate the transport request if necessary.
  
  
  
  Regenerate or Re-import Data Types:
  
  If the data type is generated from an external source (e.g., RFC, BAPI, or external interface), regenerate or re-import the data type.
  
  
  
  Check for Namespace or Typo Issues:
  
  Ensure the data type name is correctly spelled and includes the correct namespace (if applicable).
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SE11 – ABAP Dictionary (to check and activate data types)
  SWDD – Workflow Builder (to check workflow container and data types)
  SWU3 – Workflow Customizing (to check workflow settings)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Sometimes SAP releases notes related to workflow container or data type issues. Check the SAP Support Portal for notes related to WF_CONT052.
  
  
  
  Common Scenario:
  
  This error often appears after importing workflows or transport requests between systems (e.g., from development to quality or production) where dependent data types were not transported or activated.
  
  
  
  Best Practice:
  
  Always transport dependent objects together.
  Activate all data dictionary objects before activating workflows.
  Use the Check function in the Workflow Builder to identify missing or inactive data types.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Data type referenced in workflow container does not exist or is inactive in the system.
  
  
  Solution
  Check and activate the data type in SE11; verify workflow container elements in SWDD; ensure all dependent objects are transported and activated.
  
  
  Related
  Use SE11, SWDD; check transport requests; verify SAP Notes for related issues.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact data type name or workflow context, I can help you with more specific steps.