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How To Fix WS_TOOL116 - Error while generating variant &1


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

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

  • Message number: 116

  • Message text: Error while generating variant &1

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  • 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 WS_TOOL116 - Error while generating variant &1 ?

    The SAP error message:

    WS_TOOL116: Error while generating variant &1


    Cause:

    This error typically occurs during the generation of a variant in SAP, often related to the SAP Workflow or Business Workplace (SBWP) tools. The placeholder &1 is replaced by the name of the variant or the object for which the variant generation failed.

    Common causes include:

    • Authorization issues: The user does not have sufficient permissions to create or modify variants.
    • Inconsistent or missing data: The variant definition contains invalid or incomplete data.
    • System or transport inconsistencies: Objects related to the variant are locked, missing, or inconsistent.
    • Technical issues: Problems with the underlying function modules or programs that generate the variant.
    • Incorrect or corrupted variant templates: The template used to generate the variant is corrupted or incompatible.

    Solution:

    To resolve the WS_TOOL116 error, consider the following steps:

    1. Check Authorizations:

      • Verify that the user has the necessary authorizations to create or change variants.
      • Relevant authorization objects might include S_VARIANT or workflow-related authorizations.
    2. Review Variant Data:

      • Check the variant definition for completeness and correctness.
      • If possible, try to recreate the variant manually to identify any missing or invalid fields.
    3. Check for Locks or Inconsistencies:

      • Use transaction SM12 to check for locked entries related to the variant or workflow objects.
      • Unlock if necessary and retry.
    4. Check Transport and System Consistency:

      • Ensure that all related objects are properly transported and consistent across systems.
      • Run consistency checks if available.
    5. Debug or Analyze Logs:

      • Use transaction ST22 to check for any short dumps related to the error.
      • Use transaction SM21 to check system logs for related errors.
    6. SAP Notes and Support:

      • Search for SAP Notes related to WS_TOOL116 for any known bugs or patches.
      • Example SAP Note: Sometimes SAP Notes provide corrections or workarounds for variant generation issues.
    7. Recreate Variant:

      • If the variant is corrupted, delete and recreate it.

    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes:

      • SE38 / SA38 – To run reports and create variants.
      • SHD0 – To create transaction variants.
      • SBWP – Business Workplace, where workflow variants might be used.
      • SM12 – Lock entries.
      • ST22 – Dump analysis.
      • SM21 – System log.
    • Authorization Objects:

      • S_VARIANT – Variant management.
      • Workflow-related authorizations if the variant is workflow-related.
    • SAP Notes:

      • Check the SAP Support Portal for notes referencing WS_TOOL116.
      • Example search terms: "WS_TOOL116 variant generation error", "Error while generating variant".

    If you provide the exact context (e.g., which transaction or tool you were using when the error occurred), I can help narrow down the cause and solution further.

    • Do you have any question about this error?


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Related SAP Error Messages

Click the links below to see the following related messages:
  • WS_TOOL115 System exception occurred
    Self-Explanatory Message Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of...

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  • WS_TOOL117 Variant &1 inconsistent
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  • WS_TOOL118 Variant &1 deleted
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