How To Fix WZ857 - Work item has no step linked to a task

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WZ - Workflow: Model objects

• Message number: 857

• Message text: Work item has no step linked to a task

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WZ857 - Work item has no step linked to a task ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WZ857 - Work item has no step linked to a task
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in SAP Workflow when a work item is created or processed, but the system cannot find a corresponding step linked to the task in the workflow definition. Essentially, the workflow runtime is trying to process a work item, but the workflow container or task configuration is inconsistent or incomplete, leading to a missing link between the work item and its step.
  Common causes include:
  
  The workflow definition has been changed or transported incorrectly, causing inconsistencies.
  The task assigned to the work item is not properly linked to any step in the workflow.
  The workflow version or task version mismatch.
  Corruption or inconsistency in the workflow runtime tables.
  Custom workflow or task modifications that did not maintain proper links.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WZ857 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Workflow Definition:
  
  Use transaction SWDD (Workflow Builder) to open the workflow.
  Verify that all tasks are properly linked to steps.
  Ensure that the task in question is assigned to a step and that the step is active.
  
  
  
  Check Task Configuration:
  
  Use transaction PFTC to check the task definition.
  Verify that the task is active and correctly defined.
  Check if the task version matches the workflow version.
  
  
  
  Check Work Item Details:
  
  Use transaction SWI1 or SWI2_FREQ to find the problematic work item.
  Check the details of the work item and see which task and step it refers to.
  Confirm that the step exists in the workflow version.
  
  
  
  Recreate or Reactivate Workflow:
  
  If the workflow or task has been changed recently, try reactivating the workflow.
  Transport the workflow and tasks properly if across systems.
  
  
  
  Delete or Restart Work Item:
  
  If the work item is stuck and cannot be processed, consider deleting it (transaction SWI2_FREQ or SWI1) after ensuring no business impact.
  Alternatively, restart the workflow instance if possible.
  
  
  
  Check for SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to WZ857.
  Sometimes, specific patches or corrections are available.
  
  
  
  Technical Debugging:
  
  If the problem persists, debugging the workflow runtime (function modules like SAP_WAPI_WORKITEM_GET_STEP) may help identify why the step is missing.
  Check workflow runtime tables like SWWWIHEAD, SWWSTEP, and SWWTASK for inconsistencies.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SWDD - Workflow Builder
  PFTC - Task Maintenance
  SWI1 - Work Item Selection
  SWI2_FREQ - Work Item Processing
  SWU3 - Workflow Customizing
  
  
  
  Tables:
  
  SWWWIHEAD - Work Item Header
  SWWSTEP - Workflow Steps
  SWWTASK - Workflow Tasks
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check for notes related to workflow inconsistencies or WZ857 error.
  Example note numbers might vary depending on SAP version.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The WZ857 error indicates a missing link between a work item and its workflow step, usually due to inconsistencies in workflow or task definitions. The solution involves verifying and correcting the workflow and task setup, ensuring proper activation and version consistency, and managing or deleting problematic work items.
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., workflow name, task involved, system version), I can help with more specific guidance.