How To Fix WL409 - Workflow '&' no. &: Element '_WF_Initiator' missing in workflow container

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 409

• Message text: Workflow '&' no. &: Element '_WF_Initiator' missing in workflow container

What causes this issue?

When the (sub)workflow '&V1&' (no. &V2&, step or definition no. &V3&)
was created, there was no initiator (element <ZH>_WF_Initiator</>) in
the workflow container.

System Response

The workflow was started without the element <ZH>_WF_Initiator</>.
This leads to problems if the workflow (or one of its subworkflows)
uses the element <ZH>_WF_Initiator</> as the agent of a task.

How to fix this error?

Make sure a binding has been defined for the element <ZH>_WF_Initiator
</> from the event which started the workflow to the container of the
workflow task '&V1&' (no. &V2&). The element <ZH>EVT_CREATOR</> of the
event container generally contains a user name or another
organizational unit which can be used for this binding definition.
When the workflow is started in dialog, this error should not occur
since the initiator is then set automatically by the appropriate
workflow transaction.
When a subworkflow is started, the initiator of the higher-level parent
workflow is used automatically.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL409 - Workflow '&' no. &: Element '_WF_Initiator' missing in workflow container ?

  The SAP error message WL409 indicates that there is an issue with a workflow where the expected element _WF_Initiator is missing from the workflow container. This error typically occurs in SAP Business Workflow when the workflow is trying to access a variable or element that has not been defined or initialized properly.
  Cause:
  
  Missing Workflow Container Element: The workflow is trying to reference the _WF_Initiator element, which is not present in the workflow container. This can happen if the workflow was not started correctly or if there is a misconfiguration in the workflow definition.
  Incorrect Workflow Definition: The workflow definition may not have been set up to include the necessary elements, or there may be a mistake in the workflow logic that prevents the element from being populated.
  Workflow Initiation Issues: If the workflow is initiated incorrectly or if the initiating user does not have the necessary authorizations, the _WF_Initiator element may not be populated.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Workflow Definition: Review the workflow definition in the SAP Business Workflow (transaction SWDD). Ensure that the _WF_Initiator element is defined and correctly configured in the workflow container.
  Verify Workflow Initiation: Ensure that the workflow is being initiated correctly. Check the initiation parameters and make sure that the user initiating the workflow has the necessary authorizations.
  Debugging: Use transaction SWI1 (Work Item Selection) to find the work item that generated the error. You can also use transaction SWI2_DIAG to analyze the workflow instance and see where it failed.
  Container Elements: Check the workflow container to ensure that all required elements are being populated correctly. You may need to add logic to populate the _WF_Initiator element if it is not being set.
  Testing: After making changes, test the workflow to ensure that it runs without errors. You can use transaction SWUS to simulate the workflow initiation.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Workflow Container: The workflow container is a data structure that holds the variables and data needed for the workflow execution. It is essential to ensure that all required elements are present and correctly initialized.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or provide additional guidance on this error message.
  Authorization Issues: If the issue is related to user authorizations, review the roles and permissions assigned to the user initiating the workflow.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the WL409 error in your SAP workflow.