How To Fix WZ381 - Sending failed for work item &1: Pipe could not be closed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WZ - Workflow: Model objects

• Message number: 381

• Message text: Sending failed for work item &1: Pipe could not be closed

What causes this issue?

Pipe could not be closed in mailing program Sendmail.

System Response

The message was not sent.

How to fix this error?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

INCLUDE BWP_ADMINISTRATOR OBJECT DOKU ID TX

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WZ381 - Sending failed for work item &1: Pipe could not be closed ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WZ381 Sending failed for work item &1: Pipe could not be closed
  
  Cause
  This error typically occurs in SAP Workflow when the system tries to send a work item (e.g., a workflow task or notification) but fails due to an issue with the communication pipe used internally for data transfer. The message "Pipe could not be closed" indicates that the underlying communication channel (pipe) between processes or system components could not be properly closed after the data transfer.
  Common causes include:
  
  System resource issues: Insufficient system resources (memory, buffer space) causing pipe operations to fail.
  Operating system or kernel-level problems: Problems with the OS pipe handling or inter-process communication.
  Network or RFC communication issues: If the workflow involves remote function calls or communication between different SAP systems, network interruptions or RFC errors can cause pipe closure failures.
  Incorrect or corrupted workflow configuration: Misconfiguration or corrupted workflow objects or container elements.
  Authorization or security restrictions: Insufficient authorizations or security settings preventing proper communication.
  SAP kernel or patch level issues: Bugs or inconsistencies in the SAP kernel or workflow runtime environment.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check System Logs and Dumps:
  
  Use transaction SM21 (System Log) and ST22 (ABAP Dumps) to check for related errors or dumps around the time the error occurred.
  Look for OS-level errors or resource shortages.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Logs:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to analyze the workflow logs and identify the exact work item and step where the error occurs.
  Check if the work item is stuck or repeatedly failing.
  
  
  
  Verify System Resources:
  
  Check system memory, buffer sizes, and process limits.
  If system resources are low, consider increasing memory or tuning parameters.
  
  
  
  Check RFC Connections:
  
  If the workflow involves remote calls, verify RFC destinations in SM59.
  Test RFC connections for errors.
  Check network stability.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Configuration:
  
  Check the workflow definition and container elements for correctness.
  Ensure no corrupted or missing data in the workflow container.
  
  
  
  Apply SAP Notes and Patches:
  
  Search for SAP Notes related to message WZ381 or pipe errors in workflow.
  Apply relevant kernel patches or workflow component updates.
  
  
  
  Restart Workflow Runtime or System:
  
  Sometimes restarting the workflow runtime (via transaction SWU3 or system restart) can clear transient pipe issues.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure the user or system process has the necessary authorizations to execute workflow steps and communication.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1 – Workflow log
  SWI2_FREQ – Workflow inbox
  SM21 – System log
  ST22 – ABAP dump analysis
  SM59 – RFC destinations
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to "WZ381" or "Pipe could not be closed".
  Example notes might address kernel bugs or workflow runtime issues.
  
  
  
  Workflow Architecture:
  
  The error relates to the internal communication mechanism (pipes) used by the SAP workflow engine to pass data between processes.
  Understanding the workflow container and task processing helps in troubleshooting.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  The error WZ381 Sending failed for work item &1: Pipe could not be closed indicates a failure in the internal communication pipe used by SAP Workflow to send a work item. It is often caused by system resource issues, OS-level problems, RFC communication errors, or workflow misconfiguration. Troubleshooting involves checking system logs, workflow logs, RFC connections, system resources, and applying relevant SAP Notes or patches.
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., system version, workflow scenario, recent changes), I can help narrow down the cause further.