How To Fix WF_EXPR001 - An ABAP elementary type C, N, P or X was expected, not "&1"

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WF_EXPR - Expression Evaluation, Analysis and Parsing.

• Message number: 001

• Message text: An ABAP elementary type C, N, P or X was expected, not "&1"

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF_EXPR001 - An ABAP elementary type C, N, P or X was expected, not "&1" ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WF_EXPR001:
  
  Error Message
  WF_EXPR001:
  
  An ABAP elementary type C, N, P or X was expected, not "&1".
  
  Cause
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when an expression or condition expects a value of a specific ABAP elementary data type, but the actual data type provided does not match the expected types.
  Specifically, the workflow engine expects one of the following elementary types:
  
  C (Character)
  N (Numeric text)
  P (Packed number)
  X (Hexadecimal)
  
  If the expression or condition is given a data type other than these (for example, a structure, table, or a different data type like I (integer), D (date), or a complex object), the error WF_EXPR001 is raised.
  
  When does it typically occur?
  
  When defining conditions or expressions in workflow steps, such as in decision steps, container element comparisons, or binding expressions.
  When using workflow expression editor or when the workflow engine evaluates expressions.
  When the data element or variable used in the expression is not of the expected elementary type.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the Data Types:
  
  Verify the data type of the variable or container element used in the expression.
  Ensure it is one of the expected elementary types (C, N, P, or X).
  
  
  
  Adjust the Expression:
  
  If the variable is a structure or table, you cannot use it directly in the expression.
  Instead, use a specific field of the structure or an element of the table that is of an elementary type.
  
  
  
  Change the Workflow Container Element:
  
  If the container element is of a complex type, create a new container element of an elementary type and assign the required value to it.
  Use this elementary container element in the expression.
  
  
  
  Use Conversion or Casting:
  
  If possible, convert the data to an elementary type before using it in the expression.
  For example, convert a date or integer to a character string if the expression expects a character.
  
  
  
  Review the Expression Syntax:
  
  Make sure the expression syntax is correct and that you are not inadvertently passing an object or complex type.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Note: Sometimes SAP Notes related to workflow expression errors can provide patches or additional guidance.
  Transaction SWDD: Workflow Builder — check the workflow container and expressions.
  Transaction SWI1: Workflow log — to analyze where the error occurs.
  ABAP Data Types: Understanding elementary types is crucial for workflow expressions.
  SAP Help Portal: Workflow expressions and container elements documentation.
  
  
  Example Scenario
  Suppose you have a workflow container element CUSTOMER_DATA which is a structure containing fields like NAME (C), AGE (I), and DOB (D). If you write a condition like:
  CUSTOMER_DATA > '100'
  This will cause WF_EXPR001 because CUSTOMER_DATA is a structure, not an elementary type. Instead, you should write:
  CUSTOMER_DATA-AGE > '100'
  Here, AGE is an integer, which is not one of the expected types either, so you might need to convert it to character or packed number, or adjust the expression accordingly.
  
  If you provide the exact expression or workflow step where the error occurs, I can help you with a more specific solution.