How To Fix WO156 - Workflow definition & was not deleted from database

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WO - WF: Messages for Workflow Wizards

• Message number: 156

• Message text: Workflow definition & was not deleted from database

What causes this issue?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

How to fix this error?

INCLUDE NA_WF-ADMINISTRATOR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WO156 - Workflow definition & was not deleted from database ?

  The SAP error message WO156 indicates that a workflow definition could not be deleted from the database. This error can occur for several reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for finding a solution. Here are some common causes, potential solutions, and related information:
  Causes:
  
  Active Workflow Instances: If there are active instances of the workflow definition that you are trying to delete, the system will prevent deletion to maintain data integrity.
  Dependencies: The workflow definition may be linked to other objects or workflows, which can prevent its deletion.
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to delete the workflow may not have the necessary authorizations to perform this action.
  Database Constraints: There may be database constraints or locks that prevent the deletion of the workflow definition.
  Technical Issues: There could be underlying technical issues or bugs in the SAP system that are causing the error.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Active Instances: Before attempting to delete a workflow definition, check if there are any active instances. You can do this by navigating to the workflow monitoring transaction (e.g., SWI1) and looking for any running instances of the workflow.
  
  If there are active instances, you may need to terminate them before deletion.
  
  
  
  Review Dependencies: Investigate if the workflow definition is linked to other workflows or objects. You can use transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder) to check for dependencies.
  
  If dependencies exist, you may need to remove or modify them before deletion.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check: Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to delete workflow definitions. You may need to consult with your SAP security team to verify and adjust authorizations.
  
  
  Database Locks: Check for any database locks that might be preventing the deletion. You can use transaction SM12 to view and manage locks.
  
  
  Technical Support: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis team or SAP support for further assistance. They can help diagnose any underlying technical issues.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD: Workflow Builder
  SWI1: Workflow Overview
  SWI2: Workflow Administration
  SM12: Display and Delete Locks
  SU53: Authorization Check
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for workflows and error messages for more detailed information on managing workflows and troubleshooting errors.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to workflow deletion errors.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the WO156 error and take appropriate action to resolve it.