How To Fix WFEA023 - Requested end: Deadline already passed at beginning of step

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WFEA - Workflow error analysis

• Message number: 023

• Message text: Requested end: 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 end>requested end</> &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 WFEA023 - Requested end: Deadline already passed at beginning of step ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WFEA023 - Requested end: Deadline already passed at beginning of step
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when a workflow step is started, but the deadline (or due date) for that step has already passed at the time the step is initiated. In other words, the system checks the deadline for the current workflow step, and if the deadline is earlier than the current system time, it raises this error.
  This situation can happen due to:
  
  Incorrect deadline configuration in the workflow step.
  System time changes or inconsistencies.
  Workflow container values used to calculate deadlines are incorrect or outdated.
  Delays in workflow processing causing deadlines to expire before the step starts.
  Manual triggering or restarting of workflow steps with outdated deadlines.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In SAP Workflow, deadlines are used to monitor and control the timely processing of workflow steps. When a step is started, the system calculates the deadline based on the workflow definition (e.g., using deadline rules or container values). If the calculated deadline is already in the past, the system cannot proceed normally and throws this error.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error WFEA023, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Deadline Configuration:
  
  Review the deadline settings in the workflow step definition.
  Verify the deadline rule or expression used to calculate the deadline.
  Ensure that the deadline is set relative to the correct event or timestamp.
  
  
  
  Verify Container Values:
  
  Check the workflow container values used in deadline calculation.
  Make sure these values are current and correctly populated before the step starts.
  
  
  
  Adjust Workflow Logic:
  
  If the deadline is too strict or unrealistic, adjust the deadline duration or conditions.
  Consider adding buffer time to deadlines to avoid immediate expiration.
  
  
  
  Check System Time and Time Zones:
  
  Verify that the system time and time zone settings are correct on the SAP server.
  Inconsistent system time can cause deadlines to appear expired.
  
  
  
  Restart or Reset Workflow:
  
  If the workflow is stuck, consider restarting the workflow or the affected step after correcting deadlines.
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to monitor and manage workflow steps.
  
  
  
  Debug Workflow Runtime:
  
  Use transaction SWI2_DIAG or workflow logs to analyze the exact point of failure.
  Debug the deadline calculation logic if custom code or rules are involved.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder (to check workflow definitions and deadlines)
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection (to monitor workflow steps)
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Log (to analyze workflow errors)
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow Diagnosis
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to workflow deadline errors for specific patches or known issues.
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Help Portal: Workflow Management and Deadline Monitoring
  SAP Community forums for similar cases and solutions.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WFEA023 indicates that the workflow step's deadline has already expired at the time the step is started. The fix involves reviewing and correcting the deadline configuration, ensuring container values and system time are accurate, and possibly adjusting workflow logic to prevent deadlines from being set in the past.
  
  If you need help with a specific workflow or deadline rule, please provide the workflow ID and step details for more targeted assistance.