How To Fix WS_TOOL414 - Error while deleting object & of type &: Object hierarchy incomplete

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 414

• Message text: Error while deleting object & of type &: Object hierarchy incomplete

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS_TOOL414 - Error while deleting object & of type &: Object hierarchy incomplete ?

  The SAP error message:
  WS_TOOL414 Error while deleting object & of type &: Object hierarchy incomplete
  Meaning / Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to delete an object (such as a workflow, task, or container element) in the SAP Workflow Builder or related tools, but the system detects that the object’s hierarchy or dependencies are incomplete or inconsistent. Essentially, the object you want to delete is still referenced or linked to other objects, or the internal structure is not fully intact, preventing a clean deletion.
  Common causes include:
  
  The object is still linked to other workflow elements (e.g., tasks, container elements, steps).
  The object is part of an active or incomplete workflow.
  Inconsistent or corrupted workflow repository entries.
  Missing or incomplete references in the workflow repository tables.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Object Dependencies:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 (Workflow Log) or SWDD (Workflow Builder) to analyze the object and its dependencies.
  Identify if the object is still referenced by other workflows, tasks, or container elements.
  Remove or adjust these references before attempting deletion.
  
  
  
  Delete Dependent Objects First:
  
  If the object is a container element or task, delete or detach all dependent sub-objects or references.
  For example, if deleting a container element, ensure no workflow steps or tasks are using it.
  
  
  
  Use Workflow Tools to Repair:
  
  Run consistency checks using transaction SWU3 (Workflow Customizing) to identify and fix inconsistencies.
  Use report RWSFREPAI (Repair Workflow Repository) to fix repository inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Check for Active Workflows:
  
  Ensure no active workflow instances are using the object.
  Use SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to find active workflows and terminate or complete them if necessary.
  
  
  
  Manual Cleanup (if necessary):
  
  In rare cases, manual deletion from workflow repository tables (e.g., SWWWIHEAD, SWWCONT, SWWORGTASK) may be required, but this should be done only with SAP support or under expert guidance.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support:
  
  Check SAP Notes for known bugs or patches related to this error.
  Example SAP Note: 108927 (related to workflow inconsistencies).
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWI1 - Workflow Log
  SWU3 - Workflow Customizing and Consistency Check
  SWI2_FREQ - Display Workflow Instances
  
  
  Reports:
  
  RWSFREPAI - Repair Workflow Repository
  
  
  Tables:
  
  SWWWIHEAD - Workflow Header
  SWWCONT - Workflow Container Elements
  SWWORGTASK - Organizational Tasks
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error "Object hierarchy incomplete" means the object cannot be deleted because it is still linked or the workflow repository is inconsistent. The solution is to analyze and remove dependencies, run consistency checks, and repair the workflow repository before deleting the object.
  
  If you provide the exact object type and ID, I can help with more specific steps.