How To Fix WFEA024 - Latest end: Deadline already passed at beginning of step

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WFEA - Workflow error analysis

• Message number: 024

• Message text: Latest 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.latest end>latest 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 WFEA024 - Latest end: Deadline already passed at beginning of step ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WFEA024 Latest end: Deadline already passed at beginning of step
  
  Cause
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when the system tries to start a workflow step, but the deadline (latest end date/time) defined for that step has already passed at the moment the step is about to begin. In other words, the workflow step's time window for execution is expired before the step even starts.
  This situation can arise due to:
  
  Incorrect or outdated deadline configuration in the workflow step.
  Delays in workflow triggering or processing, causing the step to start after its deadline.
  System time inconsistencies or time zone issues.
  Manual changes or errors in deadline-related workflow container elements or deadline definitions.
  Workflow restart or reprocessing where deadlines are not recalculated properly.
  
  
  Explanation
  In SAP Workflow, each step can have a deadline defined (using deadline monitoring). The deadline is typically set relative to the start of the step or based on some date/time container element. The system checks if the current time is within the allowed time frame to start or process the step.
  If the current system time is already beyond the "latest end" (deadline), the workflow engine raises this error to indicate that the step cannot be started because the deadline has expired.
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check Deadline Configuration:
  
  Review the deadline settings in the workflow step (transaction PFTC or via SWDD).
  Verify the deadline expressions or container elements used to calculate the deadline.
  Ensure that the deadline is set correctly and realistically.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Container Values:
  
  Verify the date/time values in the workflow container that are used to calculate the deadline.
  Make sure these values are correct and current.
  
  
  
  Adjust Deadline or Remove Deadline Temporarily:
  
  If the deadline is too strict or incorrectly set, adjust it to a later time.
  Alternatively, remove the deadline temporarily to allow the workflow to proceed.
  
  
  
  Check System Time and Time Zones:
  
  Ensure the system time and time zone settings are correct on the SAP server.
  Time discrepancies can cause deadlines to appear expired prematurely.
  
  
  
  Restart or Reset Workflow:
  
  If the workflow is stuck, consider restarting the workflow instance or resetting the step.
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to monitor and manage workflow steps.
  
  
  
  Debug or Trace Workflow:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_DIAG to trace the workflow execution.
  Debug the workflow step to see how the deadline is calculated and why it is expired.
  
  
  
  Check for SAP Notes:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes on the SAP Support Portal for any known bugs or patches related to this error.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD – Workflow Builder (to check workflow definitions)
  PFTC – Task Maintenance (to check deadlines on tasks)
  SWI1 – Work Item Selection (to monitor workflow steps)
  SWI2_FREQ – Workflow Log (to analyze workflow errors)
  SWI2_DIAG – Workflow Diagnosis
  
  
  
  SAP Help:
  
  SAP Workflow documentation on deadlines and deadline monitoring.
  SAP Notes related to workflow deadline errors.
  
  
  
  Common SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes for your SAP version regarding workflow deadline errors, e.g., notes related to WFEA024 or workflow deadline handling.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Workflow step deadline expired before step start (deadline already passed).
  
  
  Effect
  Workflow step cannot start; error WFEA024 is raised.
  
  
  Solution
  Review and correct deadline settings, container values, system time; adjust or remove deadline; restart workflow if needed.
  
  
  Tools
  SWDD, PFTC, SWI1, SWI2_FREQ, SWI2_DIAG
  
  
  Additional
  Check SAP Notes and system time settings.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the workflow ID or task details, I can help you analyze the specific deadline configuration causing this error.