How To Fix BT178 - Period values are only possible for jobs marked 'Periodic'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BT - Background processing messages

• Message number: 178

• Message text: Period values are only possible for jobs marked 'Periodic'

What causes this issue?

You activated the function <LS>Interval</><ZV>Periodenwerte</> in the
start date editor. However, you must mark the option <LS>Repeat job
automatically</> before you can enter the start interval.

System Response

No action taken.

How to fix this error?

Mark the automatic start option and then click on the periodic values
button. You can then enter the time interval at which the job should
be repeated.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BT178 - Period values are only possible for jobs marked 'Periodic' ?

  The SAP error message BT178 indicates that you are trying to set period values for a job that is not marked as a periodic job. This error typically occurs in the context of job scheduling in SAP, particularly when using transaction codes like SM36 (Define Background Job).
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  You attempt to define a job with periodic scheduling (i.e., you want to specify a frequency for the job to run, such as daily, weekly, etc.) but the job is not marked as a periodic job.
  The job is set up as a one-time job, which does not support period values.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that the job is correctly configured as a periodic job. Here are the steps to do this:
  
  
  Access Job Definition:
  
  Go to transaction code SM36 to define a background job.
  
  
  
  Job Type:
  
  When defining the job, ensure that you select the option for a periodic job. This is usually done by checking a box or selecting a specific option that indicates the job should run periodically.
  
  
  
  Define Period Values:
  
  After marking the job as periodic, you can then specify the period values (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly) in the scheduling section.
  
  
  
  Save the Job:
  
  Once you have made the necessary changes, save the job definition.
  
  
  
  Check Job Status:
  
  You can check the status of the job using transaction code SM37 to ensure it is scheduled correctly.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Job Scheduling in SAP: Understanding how job scheduling works in SAP can help prevent such errors. Periodic jobs are used for tasks that need to be executed at regular intervals, while one-time jobs are for tasks that need to be executed only once.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on job scheduling and the specific options available in the job definition screen.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM36: Define Background Job
  SM37: Monitor Background Jobs
  SM21: System Log (to check for any related system messages)
  
  
  
  By ensuring that the job is marked as periodic, you should be able to avoid the BT178 error and successfully schedule your job with the desired period values.