How To Fix WI120 - WF start with reference is not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WI - BPT Workflow: Messages from Info System

• Message number: 120

• Message text: WF start with reference is not possible

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.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WI120 - WF start with reference is not possible ?

  The SAP error message WI120: "WF start with reference is not possible" typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow. Here's a detailed explanation of the cause, solution, and related information:
  
  Error Message
  WI120: WF start with reference is not possible
  
  Cause
  This error occurs when you try to start a workflow instance with a reference object that is not allowed or not properly configured for the workflow start event. In SAP Workflow, workflows can be started either:
  
  Without a reference (no object linked), or
  With a reference (linked to a business object instance).
  
  If the workflow start event is defined without a reference object, but you try to start it with a reference, or vice versa, SAP will raise this error.
  Common causes include:
  
  The workflow template's start event is defined without a reference object, but the start function/module is called with a reference.
  The workflow start event expects a different type of reference object than the one provided.
  The workflow container or binding is not properly set up to accept the reference object.
  The workflow is started programmatically (e.g., via function module SAP_WAPI_START_WORKFLOW) with incorrect parameters.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the Workflow Start Event Definition:
  
  Go to transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder).
  Open the workflow template.
  Check the Start Event properties.
  Verify if the start event is defined with or without a reference object.
  If it is defined without a reference, you must start the workflow without passing a reference.
  If it is defined with a reference, ensure the reference object type matches the one you are passing.
  
  
  
  Adjust the Workflow Start Call:
  
  If you are starting the workflow programmatically (e.g., using SAP_WAPI_START_WORKFLOW), ensure the parameters are consistent:
  
  If the workflow start event has no reference, call the function module without the reference parameter.
  If the workflow start event requires a reference, pass the correct object type and object key.
  
  
  
  
  
  Modify the Workflow Start Event (if needed):
  
  If your business process requires starting the workflow with a reference, but the start event is defined without one, you can:
  
  Change the start event to include a reference object.
  Adjust the container and binding accordingly.
  
  
  
  
  
  Check Object Type and Key:
  
  Make sure the reference object you pass is a valid SAP Business Object and the key is correct.
  Use transaction SWO1 to check the business object type.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After adjustments, test starting the workflow again.
  Use transaction SWU3 to check workflow customizing and consistency.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWO1 - Business Object Builder
  SWU3 - Workflow Customizing and Consistency Check
  SWI1 - Workflow Log
  
  
  
  Function Modules:
  
  SAP_WAPI_START_WORKFLOW - Start workflow instance programmatically
  SAP_WAPI_CREATE_WORKITEM - Create work item
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any SAP Notes related to workflow start errors or specific to your SAP version.
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Help Portal: Workflow Basics and Workflow Start Events
  SAP Community forums for similar issues
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Workflow start event definition mismatch with the way workflow is started (with/without reference).
  
  
  Solution
  Align the workflow start event definition and the start call parameters regarding reference object usage.
  
  
  Checkpoints
  Workflow start event in SWDD, business object type in SWO1, start function parameters, workflow logs.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more details about how you are starting the workflow (transaction, program, function module call), I can help you with more specific guidance.