How To Fix WF_CONT102 - The expression & cannot be converted into a number

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 102

• Message text: The expression & cannot be converted into a number

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF_CONT102 - The expression & cannot be converted into a number ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WF_CONT102 The expression & cannot be converted into a number
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when the system tries to evaluate an expression or a container element that is expected to be a numeric value, but the actual value is either:
  
  Non-numeric (e.g., alphabetic characters, special characters),
  Empty or null,
  Or in a format that cannot be implicitly converted to a number.
  
  In workflows, container elements often hold values that are passed between steps. If a step expects a numeric value (e.g., for conditions, calculations, or decision steps) but receives a string or invalid data, this error is triggered.
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  A workflow container element is defined as a numeric type but is assigned a non-numeric string.
  A workflow step uses an expression or condition that tries to convert a string to a number.
  Data passed from an external source or user input is not validated and contains invalid characters.
  The workflow logic expects a number but the actual data is missing or corrupted.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Container Element Value:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_DIAG to analyze the workflow instance.
  Check the container element values at the point where the error occurs.
  Verify that the element expected to be numeric actually contains a valid number.
  
  
  
  Validate Data Before Conversion:
  
  Add validation steps in the workflow to ensure that the data is numeric before it is used in expressions.
  Use workflow conditions or custom code to check if the string can be converted to a number.
  
  
  
  Correct the Data Source:
  
  If the data comes from a user input or an external system, ensure proper validation and formatting before passing it to the workflow.
  Fix any upstream issues that cause invalid data to be passed.
  
  
  
  Adjust Workflow Logic:
  
  Modify the workflow step or expression to handle non-numeric values gracefully.
  Use ABAP code or workflow container element transformations to convert or clean the data.
  
  
  
  Debug the Workflow:
  
  Use transaction SWUS or SWI1 to debug the workflow.
  Check the exact expression or step causing the error.
  Analyze the data types and values involved.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Search for notes related to WF_CONT102 or workflow container element conversion errors.
  Workflow Container Elements: Ensure container elements are correctly typed and populated.
  Data Type Conversion: SAP workflow expressions rely on correct data types; implicit conversions can fail if data is invalid.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1 - Workflow log analysis.
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow diagnostics.
  SWUS - Workflow debugging.
  
  
  SAP Help: Refer to SAP Workflow documentation on container elements and expression evaluation.
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WF_CONT102 The expression & cannot be converted into a number indicates a data type mismatch where a non-numeric value is being treated as a number in a workflow expression. The solution involves verifying and correcting the data in the workflow container, adding validation, and ensuring proper data types are used throughout the workflow process.