How To Fix WS_TOOL216 - Too many entries in Header-Table!

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 216

• Message text: Too many entries in Header-Table!

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS_TOOL216 - Too many entries in Header-Table! ?

  The SAP error message WS_TOOL216: Too many entries in Header-Table! typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow or Business Workplace (SBWP) when the system tries to process or display workflow header entries, but the number of entries exceeds an internal limit.
  
  Cause
  
  Excessive number of workflow header entries: The error arises because the internal table that holds workflow header information (e.g., tasks, work items) has a maximum size limit, and this limit is exceeded.
  This can happen if a user has a very large number of workflow tasks or work items in their inbox or if a program tries to load too many entries at once.
  It may also occur during workflow processing or when using certain workflow tools or reports that fetch header data.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Reduce the number of workflow items:
  
  Clean up old or completed workflow tasks from the user's inbox.
  Use transaction SBWP (Business Workplace) or SWI1 (Work Item Selection) to delete or complete unnecessary work items.
  Archiving old workflow data may also help.
  
  
  
  Limit the number of entries fetched:
  
  If the error occurs during a custom program or report execution, modify the program logic to fetch fewer entries at a time.
  Implement pagination or selection criteria to reduce the volume of data processed.
  
  
  
  Check SAP Notes and Patches:
  
  Sometimes, this error is related to known issues fixed in SAP Notes or Support Packages.
  Search the SAP Support Portal for notes related to WS_TOOL216 or workflow header table limits.
  Apply relevant SAP Notes or upgrade to a newer support package if available.
  
  
  
  Increase internal table size (if applicable):
  
  In rare cases, if the error is due to a hard-coded limit in a custom program, the developer can increase the size of the internal table or optimize the data handling.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transactions:
  
  SBWP – Business Workplace (Inbox)
  SWI1 – Work Item Selection
  SWIA – Work Item Administration
  SWI2_FREQ – Frequent Tasks
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any known issues with workflow header tables or inbox limits.
  Example search terms: "WS_TOOL216", "Too many entries in Header-Table", "workflow header table limit".
  
  
  
  Workflow Concepts:
  
  Workflow header tables store metadata about workflow instances and tasks.
  Large volumes of workflow tasks can degrade performance and cause errors.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WS_TOOL216: Too many entries in Header-Table!
  
  
  Cause
  Number of workflow header entries exceeds internal limit
  
  
  Solution
  Clean up workflow inbox, limit entries fetched, apply SAP Notes, optimize custom code
  
  
  Related Tcodes
  SBWP, SWI1, SWIA, SWI2_FREQ
  
  
  Additional
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes and patches related to workflow header limits
  
  
  
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., transaction or program where the error occurs), I can help with more specific guidance.