How To Fix WL377 - Inconsistent workflow definition: Node/step number & does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 377

• Message text: Inconsistent workflow definition: Node/step number & does not exist

What causes this issue?

When the work item no. &V2& sent a response message, an inconsistency
was found in the related workflow definition: Node no. &V1& has a line
but no node definition or step definition.
The respective workflow task (definition no. &V3&, version &V4&) may
have been changed during the workflow execution in a way which is not
allowed.

System Response

INCLUDE NA_WF_ERROR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

How to fix this error?

Check and correct the workflow definition. You can display the
structure (nodes and lines) of the workflow definition in the workflow
builder via the menu function 'Extras' -> 'Techn. information' ->
'Definition structure' and -> 'Runtime structure'.
<LS>Extras -> Technical information -> Definition structure </>or
<LS>Extras -> Technical information -> Runtime structure</>
It may be possible to correct the error by activating the workflow or
by using the special function <LS>Extras -> </>Special functions ->
Block correction</>.
If the error continues to occur, please check the contents of the
database tables SWD_STEPS and SWD_NODES for the workflow definition
specified above to find out more information about the cause of the
error. You should also send a problem message to SAP containing this
information.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL377 - Inconsistent workflow definition: Node/step number & does not exist ?

  The SAP error message WL377, which states "Inconsistent workflow definition: Node/step number & does not exist," typically indicates that there is an inconsistency in the workflow definition. This can occur when a workflow instance is trying to reference a node or step that is not defined in the workflow template.
  Causes:
  
  Deleted or Modified Workflow Steps: The workflow definition may have been modified after instances were created, leading to references to steps that no longer exist.
  Transport Issues: If the workflow was transported from one system to another, some components may not have been transported correctly, leading to missing nodes.
  Version Mismatch: The workflow instance may be using an outdated version of the workflow definition that has since been updated.
  Corrupted Workflow Definition: There may be corruption in the workflow definition due to system issues or improper changes.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Workflow Definition: Go to the workflow definition in the SAP system (using transaction code SWDD) and verify that all nodes and steps are correctly defined and exist.
  Recreate the Workflow: If the workflow definition is corrupted, you may need to recreate it or restore it from a backup.
  Transport Check: If the issue arose after a transport, check the transport logs to ensure that all necessary components were transported correctly.
  Update Workflow Instances: If the workflow definition has changed, you may need to update or re-initialize the workflow instances that are causing the error.
  Use Workflow Administration Tools: Use transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Selection - Frequency) to analyze and manage workflow instances.
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant notes or patches that may address this specific error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Workflow Monitoring: Use transaction SWI1 to monitor workflow instances and identify which specific instance is causing the error.
  Workflow Logs: Check the workflow logs for more detailed error messages that can provide additional context.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation on workflow management for best practices in defining and managing workflows.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or Workflow team for further investigation.