How To Fix WL162 - Element & does not have a reference type (see container definition)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 162

• Message text: Element & does not have a reference type (see container definition)

What causes this issue?

According to its definition, this container element does not have a
<DS:GLOS.3526B0B8AFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>data type reference</>.

System Response

Therefore no value assignment can be defined.

How to fix this error?

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL162 - Element & does not have a reference type (see container definition) ?

  The SAP error message WL162 indicates that there is an issue with a specific element in a container definition, where the element does not have a reference type. This error typically arises in the context of SAP Workflow or Business Workflow scenarios, where elements in a workflow container are expected to have specific data types or references.
  Cause:
  The error can occur due to several reasons:
  
  Incorrect Data Type: The element in question may not be defined with a proper reference type in the workflow container. This can happen if the data type is not compatible or not defined correctly.
  Container Definition Issues: The container definition may be missing or incorrectly configured, leading to the element not being recognized as having a reference type.
  Changes in Data Types: If there have been recent changes to the data types or structures in the underlying business objects, it may lead to inconsistencies in the workflow definitions.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WL162 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Container Definition:
  
  Go to the workflow definition in the SAP system.
  Review the container definition to ensure that the element in question is defined correctly with a valid reference type.
  
  
  
  Correct Data Type:
  
  Ensure that the data type of the element is set to a reference type that is compatible with the expected data structure.
  If necessary, redefine the element with the correct reference type.
  
  
  
  Rebuild Workflow:
  
  If the workflow has been modified, consider rebuilding or reactivating the workflow to ensure that all changes are applied correctly.
  
  
  
  Test the Workflow:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the workflow to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on defining container elements and reference types.
  
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance, especially if it involves complex workflows or custom developments.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Workflow Container: In SAP Workflow, a container is a data structure that holds the data relevant to the workflow instance. Each element in the container should have a defined data type.
  Reference Types: Reference types in SAP are used to define relationships between objects and are crucial for ensuring that data is correctly passed and manipulated within workflows.
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like SWDD (Workflow Builder) to access and modify workflow definitions.
  
  By following these steps and understanding the underlying causes, you should be able to resolve the WL162 error effectively.