How To Fix ACM257 - Initial load for access controls will be performed as background job

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ACM - Message-Class for all ACM functions/exceptions

• Message number: 257

• Message text: Initial load for access controls will be performed as background job

What causes this issue?

You have chosen to perform an initial load for access controls.
Generated artifacts (table entries and CDS entities) for all access
control sources in the system will be rebuilt from scratch in a parallel
to the currently used ones. This process can have a long runtime (up to
hours).
Before completion, the access control runtime will switch to the newly
created data, so that during execution of the initial load productive
business will not be affected. However, if you start the initial load to
repair inconsistencies the effect might be visible only after
completion.

System Response

When you continue, the next screen allows you to schedule the initial
load as background task. You can then still decide to cancel the
activity.
Once the background job has been started, you can use the regular tools
for monitoring (transaction SM37). The job produces continuous logging
in the job log.

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.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ACM257 - Initial load for access controls will be performed as background job ?

  The SAP error message ACM257 indicates that the initial load for access controls is being performed as a background job. This message is typically related to the Access Control (AC) module in SAP, which is part of the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) suite. The message itself is not necessarily an error but rather an informational message indicating that the system is processing the initial load in the background.
  Cause:
  
  Initial Load Process: The system is set to perform the initial load of access controls, which can be a resource-intensive process. To avoid performance issues during peak usage times, SAP may execute this process as a background job.
  Configuration Settings: The configuration settings in the GRC module may dictate that certain processes, like the initial load, are run in the background to optimize system performance.
  Large Data Volume: If there is a large volume of data to process, the system may automatically choose to run the load as a background job to ensure that it does not impact the performance of the system for other users.
  
  Solution:
  
  Monitor Background Job: Check the status of the background job in transaction code SM37. You can monitor the job's progress and see if it completes successfully.
  Review Job Logs: After the job has completed, review the job logs for any warnings or errors that may have occurred during the execution. This can provide insights into any issues that need to be addressed.
  Adjust Configuration: If you find that the initial load is consistently running as a background job and you prefer it to run in the foreground, you may need to adjust the configuration settings in the GRC module. However, be cautious, as running large processes in the foreground can impact system performance.
  Performance Considerations: If the initial load is taking too long or causing performance issues, consider optimizing the data being loaded or the configuration settings to improve efficiency.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SM37 (to monitor background jobs) and GRAC (to access GRC-related functionalities).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to the Access Control module or background job processing.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to GRC Access Control for best practices and guidelines on managing access controls and background jobs.
  
  If the background job completes successfully, the message ACM257 should no longer appear, and the access controls should be fully loaded and operational. If you encounter further issues, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis or GRC support team for assistance.