How To Fix WS617 - Document &1 does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 617

• Message text: Document &1 does not exist

What causes this issue?

You want to issue a message for a document that has not yet been
posted.
Before you can issue a message for a document, the document must have
been posted.

System Response

The message cannot be issued.

How to fix this error?

If necessary, repeat the transaction once the document has been posted.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS617 - Document &1 does not exist ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WS617: Document &1 does not exist:
  
  Error Message
  WS617: Document &1 does not exist
  
  &1 is a placeholder for the document number that the system is trying to access.
  
  
  Cause
  This error occurs when the system tries to access a document (such as a workflow container document, a business document, or an object linked to a workflow) that does not exist in the database. Possible reasons include:
  
  Incorrect Document Number: The document number passed to the workflow or function module is wrong or mistyped.
  Document Deleted: The document was deleted from the system but the workflow or process still references it.
  Document Not Created Yet: The workflow or process tries to access the document before it has been created or committed.
  Wrong Object Type or ID: The workflow or program is trying to access a document with an incorrect object type or ID.
  Data Inconsistency: There might be inconsistencies in the database or workflow container.
  
  
  Where It Occurs
  
  In SAP Workflow when a workflow step tries to access a document that does not exist.
  In custom programs or standard SAP transactions that reference documents by number.
  During workflow container binding or task execution.
  
  
  Solution / Troubleshooting Steps
  
  
  Verify Document Number
  
  Check the document number passed to the workflow or program. Make sure it is correct and exists in the system.
  
  
  Check Document Existence
  
  Use transaction codes related to the document type (e.g., FB03 for financial documents, VA03 for sales orders) to verify if the document exists.
  
  
  Check Workflow Container
  
  If this error occurs in a workflow, check the workflow container values to ensure the document ID is correctly passed and exists.
  
  
  Check Timing of Document Creation
  
  Ensure that the document is created before the workflow step tries to access it. Sometimes asynchronous processing or commit issues cause the document to be unavailable.
  
  
  Check Object Type and ID
  
  Confirm that the object type and ID used to access the document are correct.
  
  
  Review Workflow Logs
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to analyze workflow logs and identify where the error occurs.
  
  
  Check for Deletion or Archiving
  
  Verify if the document was deleted or archived, making it unavailable.
  
  
  Debugging
  
  If you have development access, debug the workflow or program to see why the document is not found.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:  
  
  SWI1 - Workflow log  
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow error log  
  FB03 - Display Financial Document  
  VA03 - Display Sales Order  
  SE91 - Message maintenance (to check message WS617)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to WS617 for specific scenarios or patches.
  
  
  Workflow Container:
  
  The workflow container holds the document ID. Make sure the container element is correctly populated.
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WS617: Document &1 does not exist
  
  
  Cause
  Document number incorrect, deleted, or not created yet
  
  
  Solution
  Verify document number, check existence, review workflow container, check timing, debug if needed
  
  
  Tools
  SWI1, SWI2_FREQ, FB03, VA03, SE91
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the context (e.g., which document type or workflow), I can help with more specific guidance.