How To Fix WFEA021 - Requested start: Deadline already passed at beginning of step

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WFEA - Workflow error analysis

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Requested start: Deadline already passed at beginning of step

What causes this issue?

Step &V1& of multistep task &V4& has deadline monitoring. However, at
runtime the <DS:GLOS.requested start>requested start</> &V3& had
already passed when step &V1& was reached. The associated workflow &V2&
was therefore forced into error status.

How to fix this error?

If the work item for step &V1& has already been created, you can repair
the workflow that has errors with the functions "Change Deadlines" and
"Restart After Error".

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WFEA021 - Requested start: Deadline already passed at beginning of step ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WFEA021 Requested start: Deadline already passed at beginning of step
  
  Cause
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when a workflow step is scheduled to start at a certain deadline or time, but by the time the workflow engine tries to start the step, the deadline has already passed. Essentially, the workflow step's planned start time is in the past relative to the current system time.
  Common reasons include:
  
  The workflow was delayed or paused, causing the scheduled start time to become outdated.
  System time changes or inconsistencies (e.g., time zone differences, daylight saving adjustments).
  Incorrect deadline or start time calculation in the workflow definition or during runtime.
  Workflow container or deadline parameters are set incorrectly, causing the step to be scheduled in the past.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check Workflow Deadlines and Time Settings:
  
  Verify the deadline or start time settings in the workflow definition.
  Ensure that the deadlines are calculated correctly and are not set in the past.
  Check for any custom code or user exits that might manipulate deadlines or start times.
  
  
  
  Adjust System Time and Time Zones:
  
  Confirm that the SAP system time and time zone settings are correct and consistent.
  Check for any recent changes in system time or daylight saving time adjustments.
  
  
  
  Restart or Reset the Workflow Step:
  
  If the workflow is stuck, try restarting the workflow or the specific step.
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to monitor and manage workflow steps.
  You may need to reset the deadline or manually trigger the step.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Logs and Traces:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Analysis) to analyze the workflow steps and their deadlines.
  Check workflow logs for any anomalies or errors related to timing.
  
  
  
  Adjust Workflow Design if Needed:
  
  If the workflow frequently encounters this error, consider redesigning the workflow to handle timing more robustly.
  Implement error handling or fallback logic for missed deadlines.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any known issues related to WFEA021.
  If the problem persists, consider raising a support ticket with SAP, providing workflow logs and system details.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1 – Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ – Work Item Analysis
  SWDD – Workflow Builder (to check workflow definitions)
  SWIA – Work Item Administration
  
  
  
  SAP Help and Documentation:
  
  SAP Workflow documentation on deadlines and event handling.
  SAP Notes related to workflow errors and deadline handling.
  
  
  
  Common SAP Notes:
  
  Search for notes related to WFEA021 or workflow deadline errors on the SAP Support Portal.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  The error WFEA021 Requested start: Deadline already passed at beginning of step indicates that a workflow step's scheduled start time is outdated. To resolve it, verify and correct deadline settings, ensure system time consistency, monitor workflow steps, and adjust the workflow design if necessary. Use SAP workflow monitoring tools and consult SAP Notes for further guidance.