How To Fix WL408 - Container element '&' not found in workflow container

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 408

• Message text: Container element '&' not found in workflow container

What causes this issue?

The data definition for container element &V1& was required for an
operation with container elements. However, there is no entry for
container element &V1& in the task container of task number &V2&
(workflow definition number &V3&, version &V4&).

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

INCLUDE NA_WF_ERROR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

How to fix this error?

Correct the workflow definition and, if applicable, add container
element &V1& to the container definition.
The container element may have been used in a container operation
before being created in the container definition. Another possibility
is that the container element was defined in the container, but was
then deleted although still being used in the workflow definition.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL408 - Container element '&' not found in workflow container ?

  The SAP error message WL408: Container element '&' not found in workflow container typically occurs in SAP Business Workflow when a workflow attempts to access a container element that does not exist in the workflow container. This can happen for several reasons, including misconfiguration of the workflow, incorrect mapping of container elements, or issues with the workflow definition.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Container Element: The specified container element is not defined in the workflow container.
  Incorrect Workflow Definition: The workflow definition may reference a container element that has been removed or renamed.
  Mapping Issues: There may be issues with how data is being passed into the workflow, leading to missing elements.
  Dynamic Container Elements: If the workflow is designed to create container elements dynamically, there may be a failure in that logic.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Workflow Definition:
  
  Open the workflow in the SAP Workflow Builder (transaction code SWDD).
  Verify that the container element referenced in the error message is defined in the workflow container.
  Ensure that the element is correctly spelled and matches the expected name.
  
  
  
  Review Container Mapping:
  
  Check the mapping of the workflow container elements, especially if the workflow is called from another program or workflow.
  Ensure that all necessary data is being passed correctly into the workflow.
  
  
  
  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 the execution path and where it failed.
  
  
  
  Test Workflow:
  
  If changes are made to the workflow, test it thoroughly to ensure that all container elements are being populated as expected.
  
  
  
  Check for Dynamic Elements:
  
  If the workflow uses dynamic container elements, ensure that the logic for creating these elements is functioning correctly.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific workflow or container elements being used for any known issues or updates.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  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 error message WL408.
  Workflow Container: Understand the structure of the workflow container and how elements are defined and accessed.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.