How To Fix WI301 - Return data for work item could not be read

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 301

• Message text: Return data for work item could not be read

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 WI301 - Return data for work item could not be read ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message: WI301 - Return data for work item could not be read
  
  Cause:
  The error message WI301 typically occurs when the SAP system is unable to retrieve the return data for a workflow work item. This usually happens because:
  
  The work item has been deleted or is no longer available in the database.
  The work item is corrupted or inconsistent in the workflow tables.
  There is a mismatch or inconsistency in the workflow container or related objects.
  The workflow runtime environment is unable to access the data due to authorization or system issues.
  The work item might have been processed or completed already, and the system is trying to access it again.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In SAP Workflow, each work item represents a task or step that needs to be processed. When the system tries to read the return data (i.e., the data returned after processing the work item), it expects the work item to be present and consistent in the database. If the work item is missing or corrupted, the system throws the WI301 error.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Work Item Status:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI5 to check the status of the work item.
  Verify if the work item exists and is in a valid status.
  
  
  
  Recreate or Restart Workflow:
  
  If the work item is missing or corrupted, consider restarting the workflow or recreating the work item.
  You can also try to restart the workflow from the last valid step.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Logs:
  
  Use transaction SWI2_FREQ or SWI2_DIAG to analyze workflow logs and diagnose issues.
  Look for inconsistencies or errors related to the work item.
  
  
  
  Database Consistency Check:
  
  Run consistency checks on workflow tables (e.g., SWWWIHEAD, SWWWIREF, SWWCONT, etc.).
  Use report RWSKST01 or RWSKST02 to check and fix inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure that the user or system has the necessary authorizations to read and process the work item.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Patches:
  
  Check for relevant SAP Notes that address bugs or issues related to workflow and work items.
  Apply any recommended patches or support packages.
  
  
  
  Technical Debugging:
  
  If the problem persists, debugging the workflow runtime (function modules like SWW_WI_READ_RETURN_DATA) might be necessary to identify the exact cause.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection
  SWI5 - Work Item Display
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Log Analysis
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow Diagnosis
  SWU3 - Workflow Customizing and Consistency Check
  
  
  
  Tables:
  
  SWWWIHEAD - Work Item Header
  SWWWIREF - Work Item References
  SWWCONT - Workflow Container Data
  
  
  
  Function Modules:
  
  SWW_WI_READ_RETURN_DATA - Reads return data for a work item.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to WI301 or workflow work item errors.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Work item missing, deleted, corrupted, or inconsistent; authorization issues.
  
  
  Effect
  System cannot read return data for the work item, causing error WI301.
  
  
  Solution
  Check work item status, run consistency checks, analyze logs, restart workflow, apply SAP Notes.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the context in which this error occurs (e.g., during workflow processing, specific transaction, or custom workflow), I can help with more tailored advice.