How To Fix WZ311 - Container of work item & cannot be read

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WZ - Workflow: Model objects

• Message number: 311

• Message text: Container of work item & cannot be read

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WZ311 - Container of work item & cannot be read ?

  The SAP error message:
  WZ311: Container of work item & cannot be read
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when the workflow runtime tries to access the container of a specific work item, but the container data cannot be read or is missing. The container holds the data objects and parameters related to the work item. Possible reasons include:
  
  The work item container data is corrupted or incomplete in the database.
  The work item has been deleted or is inconsistent.
  Database inconsistencies or transport issues.
  The workflow runtime environment is unable to fetch the container due to authorization or system errors.
  The work item might have been processed or removed externally, but the workflow runtime still tries to access it.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Work Item Status:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI5 to check the status of the work item.
  Verify if the work item still exists and is active.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Logs:
  
  Use transaction SWI2_FREQ or SWI2_DIAG to analyze workflow errors and logs.
  Look for related errors or inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Database Consistency Check:
  
  Run consistency checks on workflow tables, especially SWWWIHEAD (work item header) and SWWCONT (container data).
  Use report RSCONN01 or standard SAP tools to check for inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Recreate or Restart Workflow:
  
  If the work item is corrupted, consider restarting the workflow or recreating the work item.
  Sometimes, cancelling and restarting the workflow instance helps.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Patches:
  
  Check for relevant SAP Notes that address container reading issues in workflows.
  Apply any recommended patches or support packages.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure the user or system has the necessary authorizations to read workflow containers.
  
  
  
  Technical Debugging:
  
  If the problem persists, debug the workflow runtime at the point where the container is read (function modules like SWW_WI_CONTAINER_READ).
  Check for dump or short dumps (transaction ST22) related to this error.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Error Log
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow Diagnosis
  SWI5 - Work Item List
  SWU3 - Workflow Customizing Check
  
  
  
  Tables:
  
  SWWWIHEAD - Work Item Header
  SWWCONT - Workflow Container Data
  
  
  
  Function Modules:
  
  SWW_WI_CONTAINER_READ - Reads the container of a work item.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to "WZ311" or "workflow container cannot be read".
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WZ311 indicates that the workflow runtime cannot read the container of a work item, usually due to data inconsistency or missing container data. The solution involves checking the work item status, running consistency checks, reviewing workflow logs, and possibly restarting or recreating the workflow instance. Applying relevant SAP Notes and ensuring proper authorizations are also important steps.
  
  If you provide the workflow context or system version, I can help you find more specific SAP Notes or troubleshooting steps.