How To Fix WI139 - Workflow &1 cannot be started

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 139

• Message text: Workflow &1 cannot be started

What causes this issue?

The chosen workflow cannot be started using this service, since the
interface of the workflow cannot be filled automatically.

System Response

The system has aborted starting the chosen workflow.

How to fix this error?

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

INCLUDE NA_WF-ADMINISTRATOR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WI139 - Workflow &1 cannot be started ?

  The SAP error message:
  WI139 Workflow &1 cannot be started
  typically occurs when a workflow instance cannot be initiated. Here's a detailed explanation of the cause, solution, and related information:
  
  Cause
  The error message WI139 indicates that the workflow identified by the placeholder &1 (which will be replaced by the actual workflow name or ID) cannot be started. Common causes include:
  
  
  Workflow Definition Not Active or Missing
  
  The workflow template you are trying to start is either not active or does not exist in the system.
  
  
  Incorrect Workflow Container or Parameters
  
  The input parameters or container elements required to start the workflow are missing or incorrect.
  
  
  Authorization Issues
  
  The user or system trying to start the workflow does not have the necessary authorizations.
  
  
  System or Configuration Issues  
  
  The workflow runtime environment is not properly configured.  
  The workflow runtime is not active or the workflow runtime environment is down.  
  Missing or incorrect event linkage or workflow binding.
  
  
  
  Technical Issues  
  
  Missing or inconsistent workflow objects in the system.  
  Transport or upgrade issues causing inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  To resolve the WI139 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Workflow Template Status  
  
  Go to transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder).  
  Open the workflow template mentioned in the error message.  
  Ensure the workflow is active (green status). If not, activate it.
  
  
  
  Verify Workflow Parameters and Container  
  
  Check the workflow start event or the method that triggers the workflow.  
  Ensure all required parameters are correctly passed and container elements are properly filled.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations  
  
  Verify that the user starting the workflow has the necessary authorizations (e.g., object S_WF_WI for workflow tasks).  
  Use transaction SU53 immediately after the error to check for missing authorizations.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Runtime Environment  
  
  Use transaction SWU3 (Workflow Customizing) to check and activate the workflow runtime environment.  
  Ensure that the event linkage and workflow binding are correctly maintained.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Logs and Traces  
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_DIAG to analyze workflow logs and diagnose issues.  
  Look for more detailed error messages or related warnings.
  
  
  
  Check for System or Transport Issues  
  
  If the workflow was recently transported or the system was upgraded, verify that all related objects are consistent.  
  Re-import or re-activate the workflow if necessary.
  
  
  
  Restart Workflow Runtime (if applicable)  
  
  Sometimes restarting the workflow runtime environment or the SAP system can help resolve transient issues.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to error WI139 for specific patches or known issues.  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  SWDD: Workflow Builder  
  SWU3: Workflow Runtime Environment Check  
  SWI1: Workflow Log  
  SWI2_DIAG: Workflow Diagnosis  
  SU53: Authorization Check  
  
  
  Workflow Documentation: SAP Help Portal and SAP Workflow guides provide detailed information on workflow configuration and troubleshooting.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WI139 Workflow &1 cannot be started
  
  
  Cause
  Workflow inactive, missing parameters, authorization issues, or runtime environment issues
  
  
  Solution
  Activate workflow, verify parameters, check authorizations, check runtime environment, analyze logs
  
  
  Tools
  SWDD, SWU3, SWI1, SWI2_DIAG, SU53
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact workflow name or context, I can help you with more specific troubleshooting steps.