How To Fix WL388 - Element '&': Reference structure '&', field '&' not active in DDIC

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 388

• Message text: Element '&': Reference structure '&', field '&' not active in DDIC

What causes this issue?

To carry out the operation, the type and the length of the element &V1&
are required. However, the reference field used in the container
definition is not (actively) available in the ABAP Dictionary of the
current system. It was also not possible to determine a type of the
element or expression '&V4&' on the right side of the assignment.

System Response

The workflow was suspended and set to error status.

How to fix this error?

You should ensure that in the case of an assignment "Result:=
element/expression", either the result element or at least the element
or expression on the right side has a type definition.
If this is the case, you should check the reference structure in the
ABAP Dictionary. If the workflow is from another system, it may be that
the reference structure was not copied or transported or activated at
the same time.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL388 - Element '&': Reference structure '&', field '&' not active in DDIC ?

  The SAP error message WL388 indicates that there is an issue with a reference structure or field in the Data Dictionary (DDIC) that is not active. This typically occurs when you are trying to use a structure or field in a program or configuration that has not been properly activated in the DDIC.
  Cause:
  
  Inactive Structure or Field: The reference structure or field mentioned in the error message is not active in the Data Dictionary. This can happen if the structure was created but not activated, or if it was modified and the changes were not activated.
  Transport Issues: If the structure was transported from another system and the transport did not complete successfully, it may not be active.
  Development Environment: If you are working in a development environment, the structure may have been deleted or is in a state that prevents it from being active.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Activate the Structure/Field:
  
  Go to the Data Dictionary (transaction SE11).
  Enter the name of the structure or field that is causing the issue.
  Check if it is active. If it is not, activate it by clicking on the "Activate" button.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies:
  
  Ensure that all dependent objects (like tables, views, etc.) that reference this structure are also active.
  If there are any changes made to the structure, ensure that all dependent objects are reactivated.
  
  
  
  Transport Management:
  
  If the structure was transported, check the transport logs to ensure that it was transported correctly.
  If there are issues with the transport, you may need to re-transport the object.
  
  
  
  Check for Deletions:
  
  If the structure was deleted, you may need to restore it from a backup or recreate it.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review any documentation or change logs related to the structure to understand if there were any recent changes that could have affected its activation status.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SE11: Data Dictionary (to check and activate structures).
  SE14: Database Utility (to check for inconsistencies in database objects).
  SE80: Object Navigator (to view and manage various objects in the system).
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message. You can search for WL388 in the SAP Support Portal.
  
  
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider debugging the program or transaction that is generating the error to identify where the reference to the inactive structure is being made.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the WL388 error and ensure that the necessary structures and fields are active in the Data Dictionary.