BL267 - Long run task detected; start/continue in background

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BL - Application Log

• Message number: 267

• Message text: Long run task detected; start/continue in background

What causes this issue?

It can take a long time to delete a large number of application logs. We
therefore recommend that you use background jobs to delete large numbers
of logs.

System Response

A task with a long running time was detected. Continue in background
immediately Use the option ? Schedule background jobs?.

How to fix this error?

You can schedule background jobs to delete logs as follows:
Parallel jobs: On the selection screen, choose the option "Schedule
Background Jobs". The names of the jobs have the pattern DEL_APP_LOGS_
<(><<)>date><(><<)>time>_<(><<)>sequential number>. Each job edits a
fixed number of logs, which can be modified in expert mode.
Using transaction SM36 for the program SBAL_DELETE
Choosing "Program" -> "Schedule Background Job" in the menu

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BL267 - Long run task detected; start/continue in background ?

  The SAP error message BL267 indicates that a long-running task has been detected, and the system is suggesting that the task should be started or continued in the background. This typically occurs when a process takes longer than expected to complete, which can happen for various reasons, such as data volume, system performance issues, or inefficient processing logic.
  Causes:
  
  Long Processing Time: The task may involve processing a large volume of data or complex calculations that exceed the time limits for foreground processing.
  System Performance: The SAP system may be experiencing performance issues due to high load, insufficient resources (CPU, memory), or other background jobs running concurrently.
  Inefficient Code: Custom ABAP code or standard SAP programs that are not optimized can lead to longer execution times.
  Database Locks: If the task is waiting for database locks to be released, it may take longer than expected.
  Network Latency: In some cases, network issues can contribute to delays in processing.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Run in Background: The simplest solution is to follow the system's suggestion and run the task in the background. This can be done by selecting the option to execute the task in the background when prompted.
  Optimize Performance:
  
  Analyze the Job: Use transaction codes like SM37 to monitor the job and check for any issues.
  Check for Locks: Use transaction SM12 to see if there are any locks that might be causing delays.
  Review Code: If the task involves custom ABAP code, review it for optimization opportunities.
  
  
  Increase Resources: If the system is under heavy load, consider increasing the resources available to the SAP system (e.g., adding more memory or CPU).
  Schedule Jobs Appropriately: If the task is resource-intensive, consider scheduling it during off-peak hours to minimize the impact on system performance.
  Database Performance: Ensure that the database is well-tuned and that indexes are properly maintained to improve query performance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SM37 (Job Monitoring), SM12 (Lock Entries), and ST22 (Dump Analysis) to diagnose issues.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the specific task or program you are running.
  System Logs: Review system logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the long-running task.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the BL267 error and improve the performance of the task in question.