How To Fix BT181 - Definition for job & is incomplete. Job cannot be released

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BT - Background processing messages

• Message number: 181

• Message text: Definition for job & is incomplete. Job cannot be released

What causes this issue?

The job that you have selected has not been completely defined and
therefore cannot be released to run. The job was defined with a call
to the JOB_OPEN function module. But no job steps have been defined
with the JOB_SUBMIT function module.
A possible explanation for this error is that a job was created
non-interactively through the background programming interface.
However, the program that created the job did not finish defining and
scheduling the job.

System Response

Job not released.

How to fix this error?

Use the <DS:TRAN.SM37>background job management facility</> to edit the
job and finish scheduling it.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BT181 - Definition for job & is incomplete. Job cannot be released ?

  The SAP error message BT181 indicates that there is an issue with the definition of a background job in the SAP system. Specifically, it means that the job definition is incomplete, which prevents the job from being released and executed.
  Cause:
  The error can occur due to several reasons, including:
  
  Missing Job Steps: The job may not have any steps defined, or one or more steps may be incomplete.
  Incorrect Parameters: The parameters for the job steps may not be correctly defined or may be missing.
  Invalid Job Name: The job name may not conform to the naming conventions or may already be in use.
  Authorization Issues: The user attempting to release the job may not have the necessary authorizations.
  Job Class or Priority Issues: The job class or priority may not be set correctly.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the BT181 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Job Definition:
  
  Go to transaction code SM37 (Job Monitoring) or SM36 (Define Background Job).
  Locate the job that is causing the error and check its definition.
  Ensure that all job steps are defined correctly and that there are no missing parameters.
  
  
  
  Review Job Steps:
  
  Make sure that each job step has a valid program or report assigned to it.
  Verify that the selection criteria and variant (if applicable) are correctly set.
  
  
  
  Validate Job Name:
  
  Ensure that the job name is unique and follows the naming conventions set by your organization.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user releasing the job has the necessary authorizations to create and release background jobs.
  
  
  
  Adjust Job Class and Priority:
  
  Check if the job class and priority are set correctly. Adjust them if necessary.
  
  
  
  Save and Release the Job:
  
  After making the necessary corrections, save the job definition and attempt to release it again.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM36: Define Background Job
  SM37: Job Monitoring
  SM21: System Log (to check for any related system errors)
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on background job management and troubleshooting.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to background jobs and the BT181 error.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the BT181 error in your SAP system.