How To Fix WF_CONT053 - Data type & not supported by workflow system

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 053

• Message text: Data type & not supported by workflow system

What causes this issue?

A container element can only refer to the following data types:
Domain
Data element
Structure
Table type

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Create an appropriate data type in the ABAP Dictionary.

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 WF_CONT053 - Data type & not supported by workflow system ?

  The SAP error message:
  WF_CONT053: Data type & not supported by workflow system
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when a workflow container element is defined with a data type that the SAP Workflow system does not support. The workflow container is a structure that holds data used during the workflow execution, and it only supports certain data types. If you try to use a data type that is not recognized or supported by the workflow engine (for example, complex or custom data types that are not properly registered), this error is triggered.
  Common scenarios causing this error:
  
  Using a data type in the workflow container that is not a standard SAP data type or not properly defined in the workflow context.
  Using complex structures or table types that are not allowed or not supported.
  Passing an unsupported data type as a container element in a workflow task or step.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Data Type:
  
  Identify the data type causing the error (the message will show the data type name in place of &).
  Verify if this data type is supported by the workflow system.
  Supported data types are usually elementary data types (CHAR, NUMC, INT, etc.), structures (with supported fields), or table types with supported line types.
  
  
  
  Use Supported Data Types:
  
  Replace unsupported data types with supported ones.
  If you need to use a structure, ensure all fields inside the structure are themselves supported data types.
  Avoid using deep or complex nested structures or references that the workflow engine cannot handle.
  
  
  
  Register Custom Data Types (if applicable):
  
  If you have custom data types, ensure they are properly defined and registered in the workflow system.
  Sometimes, you may need to create a dictionary structure (SE11) and use that structure in the workflow container.
  
  
  
  Simplify the Container Element:
  
  If the container element is a table or structure, try to simplify it or break it down into elementary fields.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Container Definition:
  
  Go to the workflow builder (transaction SWDD).
  Check the container elements and their data types.
  Adjust the data types accordingly.
  
  
  
  Transport and Activation:
  
  After changes, activate the workflow and transport the changes if necessary.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Note: Sometimes SAP releases notes related to workflow container data types and their support.
  Transaction SWDD: Workflow Builder to check and edit container elements.
  Transaction SWO1: To check business objects and their container elements.
  SAP Help: Workflow container elements and data types documentation.
  Common Supported Data Types: CHAR, NUMC, INT, FLOAT, DATE, TIME, structures with supported fields, and internal tables with supported line types.
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WF_CONT053 indicates that the workflow container element uses a data type not supported by the workflow system. To fix it, identify the unsupported data type, replace or simplify it with supported types, and ensure all container elements comply with workflow data type requirements.
  
  If you provide the exact data type causing the error, I can help you with more specific advice.