How To Fix WS_TOOL053 - Enter a reference object

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS_TOOL - Message Class for Web Services and Virtual Endpoints

• Message number: 053

• Message text: Enter a reference object

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS_TOOL053 - Enter a reference object ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS_TOOL053: Enter a reference object
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when a required reference object is missing during a workflow or business object processing step. In SAP Workflow or Business Object Repository (BOR) contexts, certain tasks or methods expect a reference object (an instance of a business object) to be specified. If this reference object is not provided or is empty, the system raises the WS_TOOL053 error.
  Typically, this happens when:
  
  A workflow step or method is called without specifying the necessary reference object.
  The binding of the reference object in the workflow container is missing or incorrect.
  The object key or ID is not passed or is invalid.
  The workflow or tool expects an object but receives a blank or null value.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WS_TOOL053 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Workflow Container Bindings:
  
  Go to the workflow builder (transaction SWDD).
  Open the workflow and check the container elements.
  Ensure that the reference object is correctly bound to the workflow step or method.
  Verify that the object type and object key are correctly passed.
  
  
  
  Verify Object Instance:
  
  Confirm that the object instance (e.g., BUS2032 for Purchase Order) exists and is correctly referenced.
  Make sure the object key (e.g., PO number) is not empty or invalid.
  
  
  
  Check Method or Task Parameters:
  
  If the error occurs during a method call, check the method parameters.
  Ensure the reference object parameter is filled with a valid object instance.
  
  
  
  Debug the Workflow:
  
  Use transaction SWUS or SWI1 to monitor the workflow.
  Debug the workflow step where the error occurs to see what value is passed as the reference object.
  
  
  
  Review Custom Code or Enhancements:
  
  If custom code or user exits are involved, check that the reference object is correctly set before the workflow step is triggered.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD – Workflow Builder
  SWI1 – Workflow Log
  SWUS – Workflow Debugger
  SWO1 – Business Object Builder
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check for any SAP Notes related to WS_TOOL053 for your specific SAP version.
  
  
  
  Business Object Reference:
  
  The reference object is usually an instance of a BOR object, e.g., BUS2032 (Purchase Order), BUS1001 (Material), etc.
  
  
  
  Common Scenario:
  
  When triggering a workflow manually or via a program, the object instance must be passed as a parameter.
  Example: SAP_WAPI_START_WORKFLOW function module requires the object type and object key.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  WS_TOOL053 means the system expects a reference object but none was provided. To fix it, ensure that the workflow or method has a valid business object instance passed as a reference. Check container bindings, method parameters, and the existence of the object instance.
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., which transaction or process triggers this error), I can give more tailored advice.