How To Fix WL016 - Error when scheduling work item rule monitoring

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WL - Workflow: run-time messages

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Error when scheduling work item rule monitoring

What causes this issue?

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

INCLUDE WF_NA_BATCHJOB_ERROR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

System Response

How to fix this error?

INCLUDE WF_NA_BATCHJOB_SOLVE_ERROR 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 WL016 - Error when scheduling work item rule monitoring ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WL016 - Error when scheduling work item rule monitoring
  
  Cause:
  The error WL016 typically occurs when there is a problem with the scheduling of the background job responsible for monitoring work item rules in SAP Workflow. This can be due to several reasons, such as:
  
  The background job for rule monitoring is not properly defined or activated.
  Missing or incorrect configuration in the workflow rule monitoring setup.
  Authorization issues preventing the scheduling or execution of the job.
  System inconsistencies or missing objects related to workflow rule monitoring.
  The job name or variant used for scheduling is incorrect or missing.
  Transport or system copy issues where the job definitions were not transported correctly.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WL016 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Job Definition:
  
  Go to transaction SM37 (Job Monitoring) and check if the job for rule monitoring exists and is scheduled.
  The job is usually named something like SAP_WL_RULE_MONITOR or similar.
  If the job does not exist, you need to create/schedule it.
  
  
  
  Schedule the Job Manually:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to check workflow monitoring.
  Use transaction SM36 to schedule the job manually:
  
  Job name: SAP_WL_RULE_MONITOR (or the relevant job name in your system)
  Program: SAP_WL_RULE_MONITOR
  Variant: Usually, a variant is predefined; if missing, create one with the correct parameters.
  
  
  Set the job to run periodically (e.g., every 5 minutes or as per your system requirements).
  
  
  
  Check Authorization:
  
  Ensure the user scheduling the job has the necessary authorizations for background job scheduling and workflow monitoring.
  Check roles and profiles assigned to the user.
  
  
  
  Verify Workflow Rule Monitoring Configuration:
  
  Use transaction SWI2_FREQ to check the frequency and status of rule monitoring.
  Check if the workflow rules are correctly defined and active.
  
  
  
  Check for System Notes and Patches:
  
  Sometimes, this error can be caused by known bugs fixed in SAP Notes.
  Search the SAP Support Portal for notes related to WL016 or workflow rule monitoring errors.
  Apply relevant SAP Notes or patches.
  
  
  
  Check System Logs:
  
  Use transaction SM21 to check system logs for related errors.
  Use transaction ST22 to check for dumps related to workflow or job scheduling.
  
  
  
  Re-import or Re-activate Workflow Objects:
  
  If the problem started after a transport or system copy, re-import or re-activate workflow objects related to rule monitoring.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Workflow Rule Monitoring:
  
  SAP Workflow uses rule monitoring to check if the conditions for workflow rules are met and to trigger workflows accordingly. This monitoring is done by a background job that periodically evaluates the rules.
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  SM36 - Define and schedule background jobs.
  SM37 - Monitor background jobs.
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow rule monitoring frequency and status.
  SWI1 - Workflow log.
  SWI5 - Workflow inbox.
  SWU3 - Workflow customizing and consistency check.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes with keywords like "WL016", "workflow rule monitoring", or "SAP_WL_RULE_MONITOR" for specific fixes or updates.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The WL016 error indicates a failure in scheduling or running the workflow rule monitoring job. The solution involves verifying and scheduling the background job correctly, ensuring proper authorization, checking configuration, and applying any relevant SAP Notes or patches.
  If the problem persists after these steps, consider raising a support ticket with SAP, providing job logs, system logs, and detailed error messages for further analysis.