How To Fix WG204 - An unprocessed document already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WG - Messages for store order and investment buy

• Message number: 204

• Message text: An unprocessed document already exists

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WG204 - An unprocessed document already exists ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WG204: "An unprocessed document already exists":
  
  Error Message: WG204 - An unprocessed document already exists
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when you try to create or trigger a workflow task or workflow container that is linked to a document (such as a purchase order, invoice, or any business object), but there is already an existing workflow task or workflow instance related to the same document that has not yet been processed or completed.
  In other words, the system prevents the creation of duplicate or parallel workflow tasks for the same document to avoid conflicts or redundant processing.
  Typical scenarios include:
  
  A workflow is triggered multiple times for the same document before the previous workflow instance is completed.
  A workflow task is still open or in process for the document.
  The workflow container or binding is not cleared or reset properly after the previous workflow run.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Workflow Tasks:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI5 (Work Item Display) to find open or unprocessed workflow tasks related to the document.
  Identify if there are any active workflow tasks for the document in question.
  
  
  
  Complete or Delete Existing Workflow Tasks:
  
  If the existing workflow tasks are stuck or no longer needed, complete or delete them to allow new workflow instances to be created.
  You can delete workflow tasks using transaction SWI6 or via workflow administration tools.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Triggering Logic:
  
  Check the workflow triggering event or program to ensure it does not trigger multiple workflows unnecessarily.
  Implement checks in the workflow start conditions or in the triggering program to avoid starting a new workflow if one is already active for the document.
  
  
  
  Clear Workflow Container or Flags:
  
  Sometimes, flags or status fields in the workflow container or the business object indicate that a workflow is in process.
  Reset or clear these flags if appropriate.
  
  
  
  Check for Workflow Customizations:
  
  Review any custom workflow logic or user-exits that might cause multiple workflow instances to be created.
  Adjust the logic to prevent duplicate workflows.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection (to find open workflow tasks)
  SWI5 - Work Item Display
  SWI6 - Work Item Deletion
  SWDD - Workflow Builder (to check workflow design)
  SWETYPV - Event Linkage (to check event-triggered workflows)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to workflow errors and duplicate workflow instances.
  Example: SAP Note 123456 (hypothetical) might address similar issues.
  
  
  
  Workflow Concepts:
  
  Understand how workflow instances are linked to business objects.
  Understand the importance of unique workflow instances per document to avoid conflicts.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to create a new workflow instance for a document that already has an unprocessed workflow task.
  
  
  Solution
  Identify and complete/delete existing workflow tasks; adjust workflow triggering logic to prevent duplicates.
  
  
  Tools
  SWI1, SWI5, SWI6, SWDD, SWETYPV
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific business object or workflow scenario, I can help with more tailored advice!