How To Fix WPI012 - Return of Buffer

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WPI - Messages for Travel Management Web-Pl

• Message number: 012

• Message text: Return of Buffer

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WPI012 - Return of Buffer ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WPI012 - Return of Buffer
  
  Cause:
  The error message WPI012 - Return of Buffer typically occurs in SAP when there is an issue related to the buffer handling during the processing of a workflow or a related process. It indicates that the system expected a certain buffer content or state but encountered an unexpected return or inconsistency in the buffer data.
  More specifically, this error can arise due to:
  
  Inconsistencies or corruption in the workflow container or buffer.
  Problems in the data passed between workflow steps.
  Issues with the workflow runtime environment where the buffer is not properly maintained or returned.
  Custom code or user-exits that manipulate workflow buffers incorrectly.
  Transport or system inconsistencies affecting workflow buffer data.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WPI012 Return of Buffer error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Workflow Logs:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 (Workflow Log) or SWI2_FREQ to analyze the workflow instance and identify where the buffer return failed.
  Look for any abnormal termination or errors in the workflow steps.
  
  
  
  Verify Workflow Container:
  
  Check the workflow container elements and ensure that the data types and values passed between steps are consistent.
  Use transaction SWDD to inspect the workflow definition and container elements.
  
  
  
  Debug the Workflow:
  
  Use transaction SWUS or SWI_DEBUG to debug the workflow runtime and monitor buffer contents.
  Identify if any custom code or user-exits are manipulating the buffer incorrectly.
  
  
  
  Check for Custom Code Issues:
  
  Review any custom workflow methods, function modules, or BAdIs that might be altering the buffer.
  Ensure that buffer data is returned correctly and matches expected structures.
  
  
  
  Reset or Restart Workflow:
  
  Sometimes, restarting the workflow instance or resetting the buffer can help.
  Use transaction SWI1 to restart or delete problematic workflow instances if necessary.
  
  
  
  Apply SAP Notes:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes on the SAP Support Portal using the error message or workflow component.
  Apply any recommended patches or corrections.
  
  
  
  System Consistency Checks:
  
  Run consistency checks for workflow tables (e.g., SWWWIHEAD, SWWCONT, etc.).
  Check for transport or system inconsistencies that might affect workflow buffers.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1 - Workflow Log
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Runtime Errors
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWUS / SWI_DEBUG - Workflow Debugging
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to workflow buffer errors or WPI012 specifically.
  Example search terms: "WPI012", "workflow buffer error", "return of buffer".
  
  
  
  Workflow Concepts:
  
  The workflow container acts as a buffer holding data passed between workflow steps.
  Proper handling and returning of this buffer is critical for workflow execution.
  
  
  
  Common Causes:
  
  Incorrect data mapping in workflow container.
  Custom code not returning buffer properly.
  System inconsistencies or transport issues.
  
  
  
  
  If the problem persists after these steps, consider raising a support ticket with SAP, providing detailed workflow logs and system information for further analysis.