How To Fix WFEA022 - Latest start: Deadline already passed at beginning of step

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WFEA - Workflow error analysis

• Message number: 022

• Message text: Latest 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.latest start>latest 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 WFEA022 - Latest start: Deadline already passed at beginning of step ?

  The SAP error message WFEA022: "Latest start: Deadline already passed at beginning of step" occurs in the context of SAP Workflow processing. Here's a detailed explanation of the cause, solution, and related information:
  
  Cause
  
  
  Deadline Monitoring in SAP Workflow:
  
  SAP workflows can have deadlines defined for individual steps (tasks). These deadlines specify the latest time by which a step should start or be completed.
  
  
  Message Meaning:
  
  The error WFEA022 indicates that the workflow engine tried to start a step, but the "latest start" deadline for that step has already passed at the time the step was about to begin. In other words, the workflow step is overdue before it even starts.
  
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  The workflow was delayed due to system downtime or performance issues.
  The deadline was set incorrectly or too tight.
  The workflow was restarted or resubmitted after the deadline expired.
  Time zone or system time inconsistencies.
  Manual intervention or system clock changes.
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check Deadline Configuration:
  
  Review the deadline settings for the workflow step in transaction PFTC (Workflow Task Maintenance) or in the workflow builder (SWDD).
  Ensure that the deadlines are realistic and allow sufficient time for the step to start.
  
  
  
  Adjust Deadlines:
  
  If deadlines are too strict, consider extending them.
  Modify the deadline definition or remove it if not necessary.
  
  
  
  Restart or Reset Workflow:
  
  If the workflow instance is stuck, you may need to restart or reset the workflow.
  Use transaction SWI1 (Workflow Log) to analyze the workflow instance.
  Use SWUS or SWI2_FREQ to monitor and manage workflow steps.
  
  
  
  Check System Time and Time Zones:
  
  Verify that the system time and time zone settings are correct on the SAP server.
  Inconsistent system times can cause deadlines to appear expired prematurely.
  
  
  
  Handle Overdue Steps:
  
  If the step is overdue, you may need to manually intervene:
  
  Use transaction SWI6 (Work Item Selection) to find the work item.
  Restart or reassign the work item if possible.
  Alternatively, cancel and restart the workflow instance.
  
  
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Logs:
  
  Analyze the workflow logs (transaction SWI1) to understand why the step was delayed.
  Look for system downtimes or errors that might have caused the delay.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to workflow deadlines and WFEA022 for any known issues or patches.
  
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder (to check workflow design and deadlines)
  PFTC - Task Maintenance (to check deadlines on tasks)
  SWI1 - Workflow Log (to analyze workflow instances)
  SWI6 - Work Item Selection (to manage work items)
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Step Overview
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Help Portal on Workflow and Deadline Monitoring.
  SAP Workflow Administration guides.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WFEA022: Latest start deadline already passed at beginning of step
  
  
  Cause
  Workflow step's latest start deadline expired before step could start
  
  
  Solution
  Review and adjust deadlines, check system time, analyze workflow logs, restart/reset workflow
  
  
  Tools
  SWDD, PFTC, SWI1, SWI6, SWI2_FREQ
  
  
  Notes
  Check SAP Notes for patches or known issues
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the workflow ID or more context, I can help you with more specific troubleshooting steps.