How To Fix WL696 - Error in method execution

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 696

• Message text: Error in method execution

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL696 - Error in method execution ?

  The SAP error message WL696, which states "Error in method execution," typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow or Business Process Management (BPM). This error can arise due to various reasons, including issues with the workflow configuration, problems with the underlying business logic, or issues with the data being processed.
  Causes of WL696 Error
  
  
  Workflow Configuration Issues: There may be misconfigurations in the workflow definition or the associated methods that are being called.
  
  
  Authorization Problems: The user executing the workflow may not have the necessary authorizations to perform certain actions or access specific data.
  
  
  Data Issues: The data being processed may be incomplete, incorrect, or not in the expected format, leading to failures in method execution.
  
  
  System Performance: If the system is under heavy load or if there are performance issues, it may lead to timeouts or failures in method execution.
  
  
  Custom Code Errors: If there are custom methods or enhancements in the workflow, errors in the code can lead to this error message.
  
  
  Transport Issues: If the workflow was transported from one system to another, there may be inconsistencies or missing objects.
  
  
  Solutions to WL696 Error
  
  
  Check Workflow Configuration: Review the workflow definition and ensure that all steps and methods are correctly configured. Validate the workflow using transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder).
  
  
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user executing the workflow has the necessary authorizations. You can use transaction SU53 to check for authorization failures.
  
  
  Validate Input Data: Check the data being processed by the workflow. Ensure that all required fields are populated and that the data is in the correct format.
  
  
  Analyze System Performance: Monitor system performance and check for any bottlenecks. You can use transaction ST22 to check for dumps or transaction SM21 for system logs.
  
  
  Debug Custom Code: If there are custom methods involved, debug the code to identify any logical errors or exceptions that may be causing the failure.
  
  
  Check Transport Logs: If the workflow was recently transported, check the transport logs for any errors or missing objects.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SWDD (Workflow Builder)
  SWI1 (Work Item Selection)
  SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Overview)
  ST22 (Dump Analysis)
  SM21 (System Log)
  
  
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for workflows and BPM for detailed guidance on configuration and troubleshooting.
  
  
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and to share solutions.
  
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to involve your SAP Basis or technical team for further investigation.