How To Fix WL321 - Background work item no. & could not be started: runtime error?

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 321

• Message text: Background work item no. & could not be started: runtime error?

What causes this issue?

Background step no. &V1& was created (status: <ZH>ready</>), but has
not been started (transition to status: <ZH>in process</>.

System Response

Workflow no. &V4& has stopped without this being noticed.

How to fix this error?

The cause of the problem may be one of the following:
The transactional RFC call for starting the background step failed or
is still waiting for its execution. In particular, when there is a high
burden on the system this can delay the calling of the background step.
Check the RFC queue (<DS:TRAN.SM58>transaction SM58</>) and the
Customizing of the workflow system (<DS:TRAN.SWU3>transaction SWU3</>).
The workflow system crashed when the background step was started.
Analyze the system log (<DS:TRAN.SM21>transaction SM21</>) or any dumps
(<DS:TRAN.ST22>transaction ST22</>).
More information may be obtained by using the diagnostic utilities in
SAP Business Workflow.
If this message is still displayed after 30 minutes in the Workflow log
and you cannot solve the problem yourself, contact the workflow system
administrator responsible.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL321 - Background work item no. & could not be started: runtime error? ?

  The SAP error message WL321 indicates that a background work item could not be started due to a runtime error. This error can occur for various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for troubleshooting and resolving the issue. Here are some common causes, potential solutions, and related information:
  Causes:
  
  System Configuration Issues: Incorrect configuration of the background processing settings in SAP can lead to this error.
  Resource Limitations: Insufficient system resources (e.g., memory, CPU) can prevent the background job from starting.
  Authorization Issues: The user or the background job may not have the necessary authorizations to execute the task.
  Program Errors: The ABAP program associated with the background job may contain errors or exceptions that cause it to fail.
  Database Issues: Problems with the database, such as locks or connectivity issues, can also lead to runtime errors.
  Job Scheduling Conflicts: Conflicts with other scheduled jobs or processes may prevent the job from starting.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Job Logs: Review the job logs for the specific background job to identify any error messages or exceptions that can provide more context about the failure.
  Review System Configuration: Ensure that the background processing settings are correctly configured in transaction codes like SM37 (Job Monitoring) and SM36 (Job Scheduling).
  Monitor System Resources: Use transaction codes like ST02 (Tune Summary) and ST06 (Operating System Monitor) to check for resource bottlenecks.
  Check Authorizations: Verify that the user executing the background job has the necessary authorizations. You can use transaction SU53 to analyze authorization issues.
  Debug the ABAP Program: If the error is related to a specific ABAP program, consider debugging the program to identify any coding issues or exceptions.
  Database Health Check: Check the database for locks or connectivity issues. You may need to consult with your database administrator for assistance.
  Reschedule the Job: If there are conflicts with other jobs, try rescheduling the job to a different time when system load is lower.
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM37: Job Monitoring - To view the status of background jobs.
  SM36: Job Scheduling - To create or modify background jobs.
  SM21: System Log - To check for system-wide errors that may affect background processing.
  ST22: Dump Analysis - To analyze short dumps that may provide insights into runtime errors.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to the WL321 error.
  
  
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they found effective.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the WL321 error and implement a suitable solution. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.