How To Fix WO646 - Recursive call of & - Expand not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 646

• Message text: Recursive call of & - Expand not possible

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WO646 - Recursive call of & - Expand not possible ?

  The SAP error message WO646 ("Recursive call of & - Expand not possible") typically occurs in the context of SAP's Work Order (WO) or similar applications when there is an attempt to expand a hierarchy or structure that leads to a recursive loop. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when trying to display or process a work order that references itself or has circular dependencies.
  Cause:
  
  Circular References: The most common cause of this error is a circular reference in the data structure. For example, if a work order references another work order that, in turn, references the original work order, it creates a loop.
  Hierarchical Data Issues: If the data structure is hierarchical (like BOMs or work orders), and there are incorrect parent-child relationships, it can lead to recursive calls.
  Configuration Issues: Sometimes, incorrect configuration in the system can lead to unexpected behavior, including recursive calls.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check for Circular References: Review the work order and its related objects to identify any circular references. Ensure that no work order is referencing itself or creating a loop through other work orders.
  Data Integrity: Validate the integrity of the data in the system. Check the relationships between work orders, operations, and components to ensure they are correctly defined.
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, you can trace the execution to identify where the recursive call is happening. This can help pinpoint the exact cause of the issue.
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes or patches that might address this issue. Sometimes, specific versions of SAP have known bugs that are resolved in later updates.
  Consult Documentation: Review the SAP documentation related to work order management and hierarchical structures to ensure that you are following best practices.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot resolve it, consider reaching out to SAP Support for assistance. They may have additional insights or solutions based on your specific system configuration.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as IW32 (Change Work Order), IW33 (Display Work Order), and IW21 (Create Work Order) to navigate and troubleshoot work orders effectively.
  Data Model: Understanding the data model for work orders and related objects in SAP can help in identifying potential issues with relationships.
  User Exits and BAdIs: If custom logic is implemented through user exits or BAdIs, review that code to ensure it does not inadvertently create recursive calls.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the WO646 error in your SAP system.