How To Fix WL147 - Container definition passed is empty

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 147

• Message text: Container definition passed is empty

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL147 - Container definition passed is empty ?

  The SAP error message WL147, which states "Container definition passed is empty," typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow or when dealing with container elements in a workflow. This error indicates that a workflow container is expected to have a definition or data, but it is currently empty or not properly initialized.
  Causes:
  
  Empty Container Definition: The workflow container that is being referenced does not have any data or has not been initialized correctly.
  Incorrect Workflow Configuration: The workflow might be incorrectly configured, leading to the absence of necessary data in the container.
  Missing or Incorrectly Defined Workflow Variables: If the workflow variables that are supposed to populate the container are not defined or are incorrectly set, this can lead to an empty container.
  Execution Context Issues: The context in which the workflow is being executed may not have the required data available.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Workflow Configuration: Review the workflow configuration to ensure that all necessary container elements are defined and initialized correctly.
  Initialize Container Variables: Ensure that all variables that should populate the container are initialized before the workflow is executed. This can often be done in the workflow start conditions or in the initial steps of the workflow.
  Debugging: Use the SAP Workflow log and debugging tools to trace the execution of the workflow and identify where the container is not being populated as expected.
  Review Workflow Steps: Check the steps in the workflow to ensure that they are correctly set up to pass data to the container. Look for any missing assignments or incorrect mappings.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on the workflow you are working with, as there may be specific requirements or configurations needed.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common errors.
  Workflow Monitoring: Use transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Overview) to monitor workflow instances and identify issues.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the WL147 error in your SAP environment.