How To Fix WL472 - Workflow & number & container operation step &: Operation '&' unknown

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 472

• Message text: Workflow & number & container operation step &: Operation '&' unknown

What causes this issue?

The operation code specified above is not assigned a known operation.
This is probably an internal error in the Workflow Builder.

System Response

INCLUDE NA_WF_ERROR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

How to fix this error?

Table SWD_NODES contains an incorrect / unknown operation code for the
relevant container operation. Correct 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 WL472 - Workflow & number & container operation step &: Operation '&' unknown ?

  The SAP error message WL472 typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow when there is an issue with the workflow container operation. This error indicates that the system is unable to recognize or execute a specific operation step defined in the workflow.
  Cause:
  
  Unknown Operation: The operation specified in the workflow is not defined or recognized by the system. This could be due to a typo, a missing function module, or an incorrect configuration.
  Container Element Issues: The container element that the operation is trying to access may not exist or may not be properly initialized.
  Version Mismatch: If the workflow was created in a different version of SAP or if there have been changes to the workflow definition, it may lead to this error.
  Authorization Issues: The user executing the workflow may not have the necessary authorizations to perform the operation.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Workflow Definition: Review the workflow definition in the SAP Workflow Builder (transaction SWDD) to ensure that all operations are correctly defined and that there are no typos in the operation names.
  Validate Container Elements: Ensure that all container elements used in the operation are correctly initialized and exist in the workflow context.
  Check Function Modules: If the operation is calling a function module, verify that the function module exists and is active in the system.
  Review Workflow Logs: Use transaction SWI1 to check the workflow logs for more detailed error messages that can provide additional context about the failure.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user executing the workflow has the necessary authorizations to perform the operations defined in the workflow.
  Recreate or Adjust Workflow: If the workflow is outdated or has been modified incorrectly, consider recreating it or adjusting the steps to align with the current system configuration.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SWDD: Workflow Builder
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ: Work Item Selection for Recurrent Workflows
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the specific version of SAP you are using.
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP Help Portal for detailed documentation on workflows and container operations.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or Workflow team for further investigation.