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How To Fix WL414 - Workflow '&' no. & step &: Table element '&' empty/not in container


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

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

  • Message number: 414

  • Message text: Workflow '&' no. & step &: Table element '&' empty/not in container

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  • Self-Explanatory Message

    Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

    To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

    Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.



    What else can you do?

    First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

    Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

    You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.


Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL414 - Workflow '&' no. & step &: Table element '&' empty/not in container ?

    The SAP error message WL414 indicates that there is an issue with a workflow step in SAP Business Workflow. Specifically, the message states that a table element is empty or not present in the workflow container. This can occur for various reasons, and understanding the cause and finding a solution involves a few steps.

    Cause:

    1. Missing Data: The workflow is trying to access a table element that has not been populated with data. This can happen if the previous steps in the workflow did not fill the required data into the container.
    2. Incorrect Mapping: The workflow might be incorrectly configured, where the expected data is not being mapped correctly to the workflow container.
    3. Container Element Not Defined: The workflow might be referencing a container element that has not been defined in the workflow definition.
    4. Execution Path Issues: If there are conditional branches in the workflow, it’s possible that the execution path did not populate the required data due to the conditions not being met.

    Solution:

    1. Check Workflow Definition: Review the workflow definition to ensure that all necessary data is being populated into the container. Look for the specific step that is causing the error and verify that it is correctly configured.
    2. Debugging: Use the workflow log and debugging tools to trace the execution of the workflow. This can help identify where the data is not being populated as expected.
    3. Container Elements: Ensure that all required container elements are defined in the workflow. If an element is missing, you may need to add it to the workflow definition.
    4. Review Previous Steps: Check the steps leading up to the error to ensure that they are correctly populating the data. If a step is conditional, ensure that the conditions are being met.
    5. Test with Sample Data: If possible, run the workflow with sample data to see if the issue persists. This can help isolate whether the problem is with the data being used or the workflow configuration itself.

    Related Information:

    • Workflow Container: The workflow container is a data structure that holds the data relevant to the workflow instance. Understanding how to manipulate and access this container is crucial for troubleshooting.
    • Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) and SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Overview) to monitor and analyze workflow instances.
    • SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the specific workflow or error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions to common problems.

    By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the WL414 error and implement a solution to resolve it.

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