How To Fix WL639 - Work item & is already late when being created (deadline status: &)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 639

• Message text: Work item & is already late when being created (deadline status: &)

What causes this issue?

The work item with the ID &v1& is late being created. This can happen
within the inheritance of deadline monitoring when the superior work
item inheriting the deadline is already late.
Only a deadline status which refers to the end deadline is inherited.
The start deadlines are never inherited due to the fact that they are
always fulfilled as soon as work items for a workflow or a work list
are created.
The deadline status of the created work item is already &v2& after the
inheritance.

System Response

This message was only logged as a warning. The relevant work item was
created and can be processed without further restrictions.

How to fix this error?

The relevant work item should be executed as soon as possible.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL639 - Work item & is already late when being created (deadline status: &) ?

  The SAP error message WL639 indicates that a work item is being created with a deadline that has already passed. This typically occurs in the context of workflow management within SAP, where tasks or work items are assigned to users with specific deadlines for completion.
  Cause:
  
  Deadline Configuration: The work item is configured with a deadline that is earlier than the current date and time.
  System Time Issues: The system time on the SAP server may be incorrect, leading to discrepancies in deadline calculations.
  Workflow Definition: The workflow definition may have been set up incorrectly, causing the work item to be generated with an inappropriate deadline.
  Delayed Processing: If there are delays in processing the workflow, it may lead to the creation of work items that are already overdue.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Deadline Settings: Review the workflow definition and ensure that the deadlines are set correctly. Adjust the deadlines if necessary.
  System Time Verification: Verify that the system time on the SAP server is accurate. If it is incorrect, correct the system time.
  Workflow Monitoring: Use transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Overview) to monitor the workflow and identify any issues.
  Adjust Workflow Logic: If the workflow logic is causing premature deadlines, consider modifying the workflow to ensure that deadlines are set appropriately based on the business process.
  Error Handling: Implement error handling in the workflow to manage situations where work items are created with past deadlines.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SWDD (Workflow Builder) for workflow design and SWI1 for monitoring work items.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to workflow management and deadlines.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on workflow management for best practices in setting up deadlines and handling work items.
  User Training: Ensure that users involved in the workflow process are trained on how to manage deadlines and understand the implications of overdue work items.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can resolve the WL639 error and improve the management of work items within your SAP environment.