How To Fix WFEA051 - Task not started

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WFEA - Workflow error analysis

• Message number: 051

• Message text: Task not started

What causes this issue?

The single-step task or multistep task chosen has not been started.

How to fix this error?

Carry out the following steps:

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

<ZH>Find Instances</>
On the <ZK>Instances</> window, check whether a workflow or a work item
has been created. Select the item with the mouse to display any error
messages.
<ZH>Refresh Organizational Environment</>
The organizational assignment between task and user is read from a
buffer that is only updated automatically once every 24 hours.
If you have been assigned to a task as an agent in the last 24 hours,
refresh the environment.
This only updates your own settings though. If the work item is not
displayed for another user, this user must refresh their environment.
<ZH>Syntax Check</>
Under <ZK>Tasks for Workflow</>, check whether the syntax check for the
workflow definition or the task definition showed errors.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WFEA051 - Task not started ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WFEA051 - Task not started
  
  Cause:
  The error message WFEA051 - Task not started typically occurs in SAP Workflow when a workflow task could not be started as expected. This can happen due to several reasons, including but not limited to:
  
  The task is not properly defined or activated in the workflow.
  The agent assignment for the task is missing or incorrect.
  The workflow container does not have the required data or context to start the task.
  The task is locked or already in process.
  Authorization issues preventing the task from being started.
  System or runtime errors in the workflow engine.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WFEA051 - Task not started error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Task Definition:
  
  Verify that the task is correctly defined in the workflow builder (transaction SWDD).
  Ensure the task is active and not deleted or locked.
  
  
  
  Agent Assignment:
  
  Check if the task has a valid agent assigned.
  Use transaction SWIA or SWI1 to check the workflow instances and their tasks.
  If the agent assignment is missing, define or correct the agent assignment method.
  
  
  
  Workflow Container:
  
  Verify that the workflow container has all the required data elements filled.
  Missing or incorrect container data can prevent the task from starting.
  
  
  
  Authorization:
  
  Ensure that the user or system has the necessary authorizations to start or process the task.
  Check roles and authorizations related to workflow processing.
  
  
  
  Workflow Logs and Traces:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to analyze workflow logs and identify the exact reason why the task was not started.
  Check for any runtime errors or dumps related to the workflow.
  
  
  
  Restart or Reset the Workflow:
  
  Sometimes, restarting the workflow or resetting the task status can help.
  Use transaction SWUS to reset the workflow or SWI2_FREQ to restart tasks.
  
  
  
  Check for System Issues:
  
  Look for any system errors or dumps in transaction ST22 that might be related.
  Check background jobs and workflow runtime environment.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWIA - Work Item Administration
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Log
  SWUS - Reset Workflow
  ST22 - ABAP Dump Analysis
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to WFEA051 or workflow task start issues.
  Common notes may address specific bugs or patches.
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Help Portal: Workflow Management
  SAP Community forums for similar issues and solutions.
  
  
  
  
  If the problem persists after these checks, consider raising a support ticket with SAP, providing workflow logs and system details for further analysis.