How To Fix WL718 - Work item "&" is already being processed by another agent

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 718

• Message text: Work item "&" is already being processed by another agent

What causes this issue?

The work item on which the required action is to be carried out is
already being processed by another user.
A situation where work items are displayed in a user's Business
Workplace but cannot be processed by him/her can occur when a work item
is assigned to several users. Several users therefore see the work item
simultaneously in their Business Workplace.
If the work item is now processed by one of the users, an implicit lock
is set for the other users. If the other users do not refresh their
Business Workplace in the period between executing this action and the
current time, the Business Workplace these users see is not up-to-date.

System Response

The action is not carried out on the work item.

How to fix this error?

To see the current state of the Business Workplace, choose <LS>refresh
</>.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL718 - Work item "&" is already being processed by another agent ?

  The SAP error message WL718 indicates that a work item is currently being processed by another agent, which means that the work item is locked and cannot be accessed by the user trying to process it. This situation typically arises in workflow scenarios where multiple users might attempt to access the same work item simultaneously.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Processing: Another user or process is already working on the same work item.
  Workflow Locking Mechanism: SAP uses a locking mechanism to prevent multiple users from processing the same work item at the same time.
  System Configuration: The workflow might be configured in such a way that it allows only one user to process a work item at a time.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Wait and Retry: If the work item is being processed by another user, the simplest solution is to wait until that user completes their task and releases the work item. You can periodically check the status of the work item.
  
  
  Identify the Locking User: If you have the necessary authorizations, you can check who is currently processing the work item. You can use transaction codes like SWI1 (Work Item Selection) to find out the status of the work item and see if it is indeed locked by another user.
  
  
  Release the Lock: If you determine that the work item is stuck or the user who is processing it is no longer available, you may need to release the lock. This can typically be done by a workflow administrator or someone with the appropriate permissions. They can use transaction SWI2_FREQ or SWI2_DURA to manage workflow instances.
  
  
  Check Workflow Configuration: If this issue occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the workflow configuration to ensure that it is set up correctly for your business processes. You may need to adjust the workflow design to allow for better handling of concurrent processing.
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant notes or updates regarding this error message. There may be specific patches or updates that address this issue.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1: Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ: Frequency of Work Items
  SWI2_DURA: Duration of Work Items
  SWI6: Workflow Log
  
  
  Workflow Administration: Understanding how to manage workflows and work items in SAP can help prevent and resolve issues like this. Familiarize yourself with the workflow administration tools available in your SAP system.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to handle work items and understand the implications of concurrent processing.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to involve your SAP Basis or Workflow team for further investigation.