How To Fix WL405 - Workflow '&': No data definition in workflow container

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 405

• Message text: Workflow '&': No data definition in workflow container

What causes this issue?

Workflow &V1& was to be started. However, the version of the relevant
workflow definition does not have any data definition in the workflow
container:
Workflow task number &V2&
Workflow definition number &V3&, version &V4&.

System Response

The workflow could not be started.

How to fix this error?

Check and correct, if necessary, the entries specified above. Then
restart the workflow.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL405 - Workflow '&': No data definition in workflow container ?

  The SAP error message WL405, which states "Workflow '&': No data definition in workflow container," typically occurs in the context of SAP Business Workflow. This error indicates that the workflow is trying to access a data element in the workflow container that has not been defined or is not available.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Data Definition: The most common cause is that the workflow is attempting to use a variable or data element that has not been defined in the workflow container.
  Incorrect Workflow Configuration: The workflow might be incorrectly configured, leading to references to non-existent data.
  Changes in Workflow Structure: If the workflow was modified (e.g., a task was deleted or renamed), it may lead to missing data definitions.
  Transport Issues: If the workflow was transported from one system to another, there might be inconsistencies in the data definitions.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Workflow Container: 
  
  Open the workflow in the SAP Workflow Builder (transaction code SWDD).
  Check the workflow container to ensure that all required data elements are defined.
  If any data elements are missing, you need to define them in the workflow container.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Steps:
  
  Go through each step of the workflow to ensure that all tasks and data elements are correctly configured.
  Make sure that any referenced tasks or data elements exist and are correctly linked.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 (Work Item Selection) to find the work item that generated the error.
  Analyze the workflow log (transaction SWI2_DIAG) to get more details about where the error occurred.
  
  
  
  Check for Changes:
  
  If the workflow has been modified recently, review the changes to ensure that no necessary data definitions were removed or altered.
  
  
  
  Transport Consistency:
  
  If the workflow was transported, ensure that all related objects (like data definitions) were also transported correctly.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to the specific workflow to see if there are any known issues or additional steps required.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Workflow Container: The workflow container is a data structure that holds the data relevant to the workflow instance. It includes both standard and custom data elements.
  Workflow Builder (SWDD): This is the tool used to create and modify workflows in SAP.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD: Workflow Builder
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_DIAG: Workflow Diagnosis
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to the WL405 error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the WL405 error and implement the necessary corrections to resolve it.