How To Fix WZ589 - Workflow item '&' does not exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WZ - Workflow: Model objects

• Message number: 589

• Message text: Workflow item '&' does not exist

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WZ589 - Workflow item '&' does not exist ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WZ589 Workflow item '&' does not exist
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when a workflow tries to access or process a workflow item (such as a task, container element, or object) that does not exist or has been deleted. The placeholder & in the message is replaced by the actual workflow item ID or name at runtime.
  Common scenarios causing this error include:
  
  The workflow item was deleted or is no longer valid.
  The workflow container element referenced in the workflow step or rule is missing.
  The workflow instance or task has been completed or removed, but the workflow logic still tries to access it.
  Inconsistent or corrupted workflow data in the database.
  Incorrect or outdated workflow definitions referencing non-existent items.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Workflow Item Existence:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 (Work Item Selection) or SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Analysis) to check if the workflow item exists.
  Verify the workflow container elements and ensure all referenced items exist.
  
  
  
  Review Workflow Definition:
  
  Use SWDD (Workflow Builder) to check the workflow steps and container elements.
  Ensure that all container elements and tasks referenced are valid and exist.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Logs:
  
  Use SWI1 or SWI2_DIAG to analyze the workflow logs and identify where the error occurs.
  Look for inconsistencies or missing data.
  
  
  
  Restart or Recreate Workflow:
  
  If the workflow instance is corrupted, consider restarting the workflow or creating a new instance.
  Sometimes, deleting the problematic workflow instance and triggering a new one resolves the issue.
  
  
  
  Database Consistency Check:
  
  Run workflow consistency checks using transaction SWU_OBUF or report RWSYST00 to identify and fix inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support:
  
  Check for relevant SAP Notes that address this error for your SAP version.
  If the problem persists, consider raising an OSS message with SAP Support.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ - Work Item Analysis
  SWI2_DIAG - Workflow Diagnosis
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  SWU_OBUF - Workflow Object Buffer Maintenance
  
  
  
  SAP Help:
  
  SAP Workflow documentation on container elements and work items.
  SAP Notes related to workflow errors and inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  Common SAP Notes:
  
  Search for notes with keywords like "WZ589", "workflow item does not exist", or "workflow container missing".
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error WZ589 Workflow item '&' does not exist indicates that the workflow is trying to access a non-existent workflow item. The resolution involves verifying the existence of the workflow item, checking workflow definitions and container elements, analyzing workflow logs, and ensuring database consistency. Use SAP workflow tools and transactions to diagnose and fix the issue.