How To Fix WZ504 - Work item description read

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WZ - Workflow: Model objects

• Message number: 504

• Message text: Work item description read

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WZ504 - Work item description read ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WZ504 - Work item description read
  
  Cause:
  The error message WZ504 typically occurs when there is an issue reading the description of a work item in SAP Workflow. This can happen due to:
  
  The work item no longer exists or has been deleted.
  The work item is locked or not accessible due to authorization issues.
  Inconsistencies or corruption in the workflow container or database tables related to the work item.
  The workflow runtime environment is unable to fetch the description because of missing or incorrect data.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In SAP Workflow, each work item has a description that is displayed to the user. When the system tries to read this description (for example, when displaying the inbox or work item details), it may fail if the underlying data is missing or corrupted, leading to the WZ504 error.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Work Item Existence:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI5 (Work Item Display) to verify if the work item exists.
  If the work item is missing, it might have been deleted or completed already.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure the user has the necessary authorizations to access the work item.
  Check roles and authorizations related to workflow (e.g., object S_WF_WI).
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Logs:
  
  Use transaction SWI2_FREQ or SWI2_DIAG to analyze workflow errors and logs.
  Look for inconsistencies or errors related to the work item.
  
  
  
  Rebuild or Reset Workflow Runtime:
  
  Sometimes inconsistencies in the workflow runtime environment cause such errors.
  Use transaction SWU_OBUF to rebuild the workflow buffer.
  Restart the workflow runtime environment if necessary.
  
  
  
  Database Consistency:
  
  Check for database inconsistencies in workflow tables such as SWWWIHEAD (work item header) and SWWWIRED (work item container).
  Use report RSWWORKITEMS to analyze and fix inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Patches:
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes addressing WZ504 errors.
  Apply any recommended patches or corrections.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection
  SWI5 - Work Item Display
  SWI2_FREQ - Workflow Error Log
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow Runtime Analysis
  SWU_OBUF - Rebuild Workflow Buffer
  
  
  
  Tables:
  
  SWWWIHEAD - Work Item Header
  SWWWIRED - Work Item Container Data
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for notes related to WZ504 or workflow work item description errors.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  WZ504 occurs when SAP Workflow cannot read the description of a work item, often due to missing or inconsistent data, authorization issues, or runtime environment problems. Verify the existence and accessibility of the work item, check authorizations, analyze workflow logs, rebuild the workflow buffer, and ensure database consistency to resolve the issue.