How To Fix WFEA052 - Workflow hanging

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WFEA - Workflow error analysis

• Message number: 052

• Message text: Workflow hanging

What causes this issue?

The chosen workflow has stopped or is not completed correctly.

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. If there are no instances, choose <ZK>Create Instance
</> to start the workflow. Then select the entry with the mouse to
display any error messages.
<ZH>Display Work Item Queue</>
The work item queue is a log of the transactional RFCs for internal
communication. You will find an overview of the work items that have
not yet reported back to the workflow system after being executed.
<ZH>ABAP Dump Analysis</>
If the object method of a task ends with a runtime error, the workflow
aborts without an entry in the workflow log. The system produces a
short dump under the user SY-UNAME or the user assigned to the logical
destination WORKFLOW_LOCAL.
<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 WFEA052 - Workflow hanging ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message WFEA052 - Workflow hanging:
  
  SAP Error Message: WFEA052 - Workflow hanging
  
  Cause:
  The error WFEA052 indicates that a workflow instance is "hanging" or stuck in a particular step and is not progressing as expected. This usually happens when the workflow is waiting for an event or a task completion that never occurs, or when there is a deadlock or a missing trigger in the workflow processing.
  Common causes include:
  
  Missing or delayed event triggering: The workflow is waiting for an event that has not been triggered.
  Dialog task not completed: A user task is waiting for user input or completion.
  System or communication issues: Background jobs or workflow runtime errors causing the workflow to freeze.
  Incorrect workflow design: Loops or conditions that cause the workflow to wait indefinitely.
  Locking or database issues: Locks on workflow tables or database inconsistencies.
  Workflow runtime errors: Errors in the workflow container or methods that prevent the workflow from moving forward.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Workflow Logs:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 (Workflow Log) to analyze the workflow instance and identify where it is stuck.
  Look for the last successful step and the step where it is hanging.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Runtime Errors:
  
  Use transaction SWI2_FREQ or SWI2_DIAG to check for workflow errors.
  Analyze dumps or short dumps (transaction ST22) related to workflow.
  
  
  
  Check Event Linkage:
  
  Verify if the expected event has been triggered.
  Use transaction SWEL to check event linkage and event queue.
  
  
  
  Manually Trigger Event (if applicable):
  
  If the workflow is waiting for an event that was not triggered, manually trigger the event using transaction SWUEV or program SAP_WAPI_EVENT_RAISE.
  
  
  
  Restart Workflow Runtime:
  
  Sometimes restarting the workflow runtime can help.
  Use transaction SWU3 to check workflow runtime configuration and fix inconsistencies.
  Restart the workflow runtime via transaction SWU0 or by restarting the relevant work processes.
  
  
  
  Check Background Jobs:
  
  Ensure that the workflow background jobs (e.g., SAP_WAPI_WORKITEM) are running properly.
  Use transaction SM37 to check job status.
  
  
  
  Unlock Workflow (if locked):
  
  Use transaction SWI2_FREQ to find locked workflows.
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_DIAG to unlock or delete stuck workflows if necessary.
  
  
  
  Correct Workflow Design:
  
  If the workflow design causes hanging, review and correct the workflow model in SWDD.
  Check for infinite loops or missing event triggers.
  
  
  
  Apply SAP Notes:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes related to WFEA052 or workflow hanging issues.
  Apply any recommended patches or corrections.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  SWI1 - Workflow Log
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Errors
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow Diagnosis
  SWEL - Event Linkage
  SWUEV - Event Triggering
  SWU3 - Workflow Runtime Analysis
  SM37 - Job Monitoring
  ST22 - ABAP Dumps
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes related to workflow hanging or WFEA052.
  Example notes might include fixes for workflow runtime errors or event handling issues.
  
  
  
  Workflow Runtime:
  
  Workflow runtime is handled by the SAP kernel and background jobs.
  Proper configuration and monitoring of workflow runtime is essential.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Workflow waiting indefinitely due to missing event, user input, runtime error, or lock.
  
  
  Solution
  Analyze workflow logs, check events, trigger missing events, restart runtime, fix design.
  
  
  Tools
  SWI1, SWI2_FREQ, SWEL, SWUEV, SWU3, SM37, ST22
  
  
  Notes
  Apply relevant SAP Notes and patches.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the workflow ID or more context, I can help you with more specific troubleshooting steps.