How To Fix WFF_FORM_SERVER218 - Display annotation: Data definition for service & does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WFF_FORM_SERVER - Web Financials Forms: Form Server

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Display annotation: Data definition for service & does not exist

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WFF_FORM_SERVER218 - Display annotation: Data definition for service & does not exist ?

  The SAP error message:
  WFF_FORM_SERVER218 Display annotation: Data definition for service & does not exist
  typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow and Business Object Repository (BOR) or when working with Web Dynpro or Gateway services that rely on metadata annotations.
  
  Cause
  This error indicates that the system is trying to access or display an annotation (metadata) for a service, but the underlying data definition (such as a CDS view, OData service, or business object) for the specified service does not exist or is not found in the system.
  Common causes include:
  
  The service name provided is incorrect or misspelled.
  The service has not been activated or registered properly.
  The underlying data definition (e.g., CDS view, OData service, or business object) has been deleted or is inactive.
  Transport or system inconsistencies where the service exists in one system but not in another.
  Missing or incomplete metadata annotations for the service.
  The service is not yet generated or published in the system.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Verify the Service Name:
  
  Check the exact service name passed to the workflow or application.
  Ensure there are no typos or incorrect parameters.
  
  
  
  Check Service Activation:
  
  For OData services, verify that the service is activated in the SAP Gateway system (using transaction /IWFND/MAINT_SERVICE).
  For CDS views, ensure the CDS view is active and properly annotated.
  
  
  
  Check Data Definition Existence:
  
  Confirm that the underlying data definition (CDS view, business object, or service metadata) exists in the system.
  Use SE80 or the relevant transaction to check the existence and status.
  
  
  
  Regenerate or Re-activate the Service:
  
  If the service is missing or inactive, regenerate or reactivate it.
  For OData services, re-register and activate the service.
  For workflows, re-import or re-generate the business object or service metadata.
  
  
  
  Check Transport and System Consistency:
  
  If the error occurs after a transport, verify that all related objects were transported correctly.
  Synchronize or re-import missing objects if necessary.
  
  
  
  Review Annotations and Metadata:
  
  Ensure that the annotations required for the service are correctly defined.
  For CDS views, check the annotation syntax and completeness.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes and Patches:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes that might address known issues with this error.
  Apply any recommended patches or support packages.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transactions to check services:
  
  /IWFND/MAINT_SERVICE — Activate and maintain OData services.
  SE80 — Object Navigator to check business objects and services.
  SWO1 — Business Object Builder.
  SE24 — Class Builder (for service classes).
  SE11 — Data Dictionary (for CDS views and tables).
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes related to WFF_FORM_SERVER218 or service metadata issues.
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Help Portal on Workflow and OData service activation.
  SAP Gateway and OData service development guides.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Service data definition (CDS view, OData service, business object) does not exist or is inactive.
  
  
  Solution
  Verify service name, activate service, check data definition existence, regenerate service, check transports.
  
  
  Related Info
  Use /IWFND/MAINT_SERVICE, SE80, SWO1; check SAP Notes; ensure metadata annotations are correct.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact context (e.g., workflow, OData service, Web Dynpro), I can give more tailored steps.