How To Fix WK020 - You do not have authorization for the selected operation

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WK - BPT: Messages integr. inbox

• Message number: 020

• Message text: You do not have authorization for the selected operation

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WK020 - You do not have authorization for the selected operation ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WK020: "You do not have authorization for the selected operation":
  
  Error Message:
  WK020 - You do not have authorization for the selected operation
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when a user tries to perform a workflow-related operation (such as processing a workflow task, changing workflow status, or executing a workflow step) but does not have the necessary authorizations assigned in their user profile.
  Specifically, the user lacks the required authorization objects or authorization values needed to execute the workflow operation. This can happen if:
  
  The user is not assigned the correct workflow roles.
  The authorization objects related to workflow processing (e.g., S_WFAR_OBJ, S_WFAR_ACT, S_WFAR_TSK) are missing or incomplete.
  The user is trying to perform an operation on a workflow task or container element for which they do not have permission.
  The workflow is configured to check for specific authorizations that the user does not possess.
  
  
  Common Authorization Objects Involved:
  
  S_WFAR_OBJ – Workflow object authorization
  S_WFAR_ACT – Workflow activity authorization
  S_WFAR_TSK – Workflow task authorization
  S_WFAR_USR – Workflow user authorization
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Use transaction SU53 immediately after the error occurs to check which authorization check failed.
  This will show the missing authorization object and values.
  
  
  
  Assign Required Authorizations:
  
  Based on the missing authorizations, update the user's roles/profiles to include the necessary workflow authorizations.
  Typically, assign or adjust roles that include workflow-related authorization objects (S_WFAR_*).
  If you have standard SAP workflow roles (e.g., SAP_WF_BC_*), ensure the user has the appropriate ones assigned.
  
  
  
  Verify Workflow Task and Object Authorizations:
  
  Check the workflow task and object definitions to understand what authorizations are required.
  Sometimes, custom workflows have custom authorization checks; verify these with your workflow administrator.
  
  
  
  Test After Authorization Update:
  
  After updating the roles, have the user log off and log back in.
  Retry the operation to confirm the issue is resolved.
  
  
  
  If Authorization Looks Correct:
  
  Check if the workflow container or task is locked or in a status that prevents the operation.
  Verify if the workflow is configured to restrict operations based on user roles or organizational assignments.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SU53 – Display authorization check failure
  PFTC – Workflow task maintenance
  SWI1 – Workflow log
  SWI2_FREQ – Workflow inbox (to check tasks)
  SU01 – User maintenance (to check roles and authorizations)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Sometimes SAP releases notes related to specific workflow authorization issues. Check the SAP Support Portal for notes related to WK020.
  
  
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Always assign workflow roles based on the principle of least privilege.
  Use standard SAP workflow roles as a baseline and enhance them as needed.
  Regularly review workflow authorizations during user role audits.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Missing or insufficient workflow-related authorizations for the user performing the operation.
  
  
  Solution
  Check missing authorizations with SU53, assign required workflow roles/authorizations, and verify workflow task settings.
  
  
  Related Objects
  S_WFAR_OBJ, S_WFAR_ACT, S_WFAR_TSK, S_WFAR_USR authorization objects.
  
  
  Tools
  SU53, SU01, PFTC, SWI1, SWI2_FREQ
  
  
  
  
  If you need help identifying the exact missing authorization or adjusting roles, please provide the output of SU53 after the error occurs.