How To Fix WI304 - Container element could not be read

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 304

• Message text: Container element could not be read

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WI304 - Container element could not be read ?

  The SAP error message WI304: Container element could not be read typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow processing. It indicates that the workflow runtime is unable to find or read a specific container element (a data object or variable) that is expected to be present in the workflow container at a certain step.
  
  Cause
  
  Missing Container Element: The workflow step or method expects a container element (variable) that is not available in the current workflow container.
  Incorrect Container Element Name: The name of the container element used in the workflow step or method does not match the actual container element name.
  Data Type Mismatch: The container element exists but the data type expected by the step does not match the actual data type.
  Container Element Not Passed: When calling a subworkflow or task, the required container elements are not passed or mapped correctly.
  Workflow Container Not Initialized: The container element has not been initialized or filled with data before the step tries to access it.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check Container Element Names:
  
  Verify that the container element name used in the workflow step or method exactly matches the name defined in the workflow container.
  Pay attention to case sensitivity and spelling.
  
  
  
  Check Container Element Existence:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_DIAG to analyze the workflow and check the container elements.
  In the workflow builder (transaction SWDD), check the container tab of the workflow and the relevant step to ensure the element exists.
  
  
  
  Check Container Element Mapping:
  
  If the error occurs in a subworkflow or task, verify that the container elements are correctly mapped between the calling workflow and the called workflow/task.
  Ensure that the container element is passed as an import parameter or mapped correctly.
  
  
  
  Initialize Container Elements:
  
  Make sure that the container element is filled with the required data before the step that accesses it.
  This can be done by preceding steps or by default values.
  
  
  
  Check Data Types:
  
  Confirm that the data type of the container element matches the expected data type in the step or method.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use the workflow log (transaction SWI1) to identify the exact step where the error occurs.
  Use the workflow debugger (transaction SWUS or SWI_DEBUG) to step through the workflow and inspect container contents.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder (to check and edit workflows)
  SWI1 - Workflow Log (to analyze workflow runs)
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow Diagnosis (to check workflow errors)
  SWUS - Workflow Debugger
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check for SAP Notes related to workflow container errors or WI304 for specific system versions.
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Help Portal: Workflow container and container elements
  SAP Community forums for similar issues and solutions
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Error Message
  WI304 Container element could not be read
  
  
  Cause
  Missing or incorrectly named container element, data type mismatch, or not passed container
  
  
  Solution
  Verify container element names, existence, mapping, initialization, and data types
  
  
  Tools
  SWDD, SWI1, SWI2_DIAG, SWUS
  
  
  Additional Notes
  Use workflow logs and debugger to pinpoint the issue
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the specific workflow or step where this error occurs, I can help you analyze the container elements in more detail.