How To Fix WO821 - You cannot execute work item &: '&' (status: &)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 821

• Message text: You cannot execute work item &: '&' (status: &)

What causes this issue?

You wanted to execute a work item. However, this is not possible.
Possible causes are:
The work item cannot be executed because of its status.
You are not one of the
<DS:GLOS.3526B11BAFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>possible agents</> of the
work item.
Note:
It may be that both causes apply.

System Response

Processing was terminated.

How to fix this error?

Transfer the work item to a status which allows execution.
The work item may be executed by one of the possible agents.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WO821 - You cannot execute work item &: '&' (status: &) ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WO821 You cannot execute work item &: '&' (status: &)
  
  Meaning / Cause:
  This error occurs when a user tries to execute (process) a workflow work item that is not in a status allowing execution. The system prevents the execution because the work item is either already completed, canceled, or in a status that disallows further processing.
  The placeholders in the message are:  
  
  &: Work item ID  
  &: Work item description or name  
  &: Status of the work item (e.g., completed, canceled, deleted)
  
  Typical causes include:  
  
  The work item has already been processed or withdrawn.  
  The work item is in a status like "completed," "canceled," or "deleted."  
  The workflow container or task has been changed or deleted.  
  The user is trying to execute a work item that is no longer valid or active.
  
  
  Solution / How to Fix:
  
  
  Check Work Item Status:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI5 (Work Item Display) to check the status of the work item. Confirm if it is already completed or canceled.
  
  
  Verify Workflow Logs:
  
  Use transaction SWI2_FREQ or SWI2_DIAG to analyze the workflow log and understand why the work item is in the current status.
  
  
  Check if Work Item is Withdrawn or Deleted:
  
  If the work item was withdrawn or deleted, it cannot be executed again.
  
  
  Restart or Recreate Workflow:
  
  If the work item is stuck or invalid, consider restarting the workflow or creating a new instance.
  
  
  Check Authorization:
  
  Ensure the user has the necessary authorization to execute the work item.
  
  
  Technical Analysis:
  
  If the issue persists, check for inconsistencies in the workflow tables (e.g., SWWWIHEAD) or consult SAP Notes for known bugs.
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection  
  SWI5 - Work Item Display  
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Log  
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow Diagnosis
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to message WO821 for any patches or known issues.
  
  
  Workflow Statuses:
  
  Common statuses include:  
  
  READY (can be executed)  
  COMPLETED (already processed)  
  CANCELED (withdrawn or stopped)  
  DELETED (removed)
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact status code or more context, I can help you with a more specific solution.