How To Fix BT097 - Define at least 1 step. A job is invalid without a step

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BT - Background processing messages

• Message number: 097

• Message text: Define at least 1 step. A job is invalid without a step

What causes this issue?

No job steps have been defined for this job. A background job must
have job steps if it is to do any work. Only in job steps can you
specify the program(s) that are to be run in a background job.

System Response

No action taken.

How to fix this error?

Define at least one job step for this background job.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BT097 - Define at least 1 step. A job is invalid without a step ?

  The SAP error message BT097, which states "Define at least 1 step. A job is invalid without a step," typically occurs when you are trying to create or schedule a background job in SAP, but you have not defined any steps for that job. A job in SAP needs at least one step to execute a specific task, such as running a report or executing a program.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the background job you are trying to create does not have any defined steps. Steps are essential because they specify what action the job should perform when it runs.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to define at least one step for the background job. Here’s how you can do that:
  
  
  Access the Job Definition:
  
  Go to transaction code SM37 (Job Monitoring) or SM36 (Define Background Job).
  If you are in SM36, you will be on the screen to create a new job.
  
  
  
  Enter Job Details:
  
  Fill in the job name, job class, and other relevant details.
  
  
  
  Define Job Steps:
  
  Click on the Steps button (or the "Step" tab).
  In the "Job Steps" screen, click on the Add Step button.
  Specify the type of step you want to create (e.g., ABAP program, external command, etc.).
  Enter the necessary details for the step, such as the program name or report you want to execute.
  You can also specify any selection criteria or parameters if required.
  
  
  
  Save the Job:
  
  After defining at least one step, save the job definition.
  You should now be able to schedule the job without encountering the BT097 error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM36: To create a background job.
  SM37: To monitor background jobs.
  SM21: To check system logs for any related issues.
  
  
  
  Job Scheduling:
  
  Ensure that the job is scheduled to run at the desired time and frequency.
  
  
  
  Job Monitoring:
  
  After scheduling, you can monitor the job's execution status in SM37.
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on background job management and step definitions.
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BT097 error and successfully create a background job in SAP.