How To Fix WL383 - Illegal expression '&' for agent

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 383

• Message text: Illegal expression '&' for agent

What causes this issue?

Expression &V1& should provide a responsible agent for workflow step
number &V2&. However, the result does not have the correct data type or
gave errors in the evaluation:
Expression,,&V1&
ABAP type,,&V3&
Length,,&V4&

System Response

If no other valid agent (expression) was specified, the workflow has
been stopped and forced into the error status.

How to fix this error?

Correct the expression's definition/implementation so that it provides
a value with reference to the ABAP Dictionary structure <AB>SWHACTOR</>
(ABAP type: C14). In particular user names cannot be on their own here,
only with preceding organizational object type "US...".
Object references are not possible here either.
You can then continue a workflow that may have stopped with the
<LS>Restart After Error</> function.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL383 - Illegal expression '&' for agent ?

  The SAP error message WL383, which states "Illegal expression '&' for agent," typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow or Business Process Management (BPM) when there is an issue with the expression used in a workflow agent determination.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following issues:
  
  Invalid Expression: The expression used to determine the agent is not valid. This could be due to syntax errors or the use of unsupported characters or operators.
  Configuration Issues: The agent determination configuration may not be set up correctly, leading to the system being unable to interpret the expression.
  Missing Data: Required data or parameters that the expression relies on may be missing or incorrectly defined.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WL383 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Expression:
  
  Review the expression used for agent determination. Ensure that it follows the correct syntax and does not contain illegal characters or operators.
  If the expression is complex, simplify it to identify the part that may be causing the issue.
  
  
  
  Review Agent Determination Configuration:
  
  Navigate to the workflow configuration settings and verify that the agent determination is set up correctly.
  Ensure that all necessary fields and parameters are correctly defined and populated.
  
  
  
  Test the Expression:
  
  Use the expression editor or test functionality within SAP to validate the expression. This can help identify any syntax errors or issues with the logic.
  
  
  
  Check for Missing Data:
  
  Ensure that all required data for the agent determination is available and correctly populated in the workflow context.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on agent determination expressions and their syntax.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If the issue persists, consider using debugging tools to trace the workflow execution and identify where the error occurs.
  
  
  
  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 problems.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed. Other users may have encountered the same error and can provide insights or solutions.
  SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance, providing them with detailed information about the error and the context in which it occurs.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the WL383 error in your SAP system.