How To Fix BT618 - External communication error at program scheduling (see system log)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BT - Background processing messages

• Message number: 618

• Message text: External communication error at program scheduling (see system log)

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BT618 - External communication error at program scheduling (see system log) ?

  The SAP error message BT618, which indicates an "External communication error at program scheduling," typically arises when there are issues with the communication between the SAP system and external systems or services during the scheduling of background jobs. This can occur in various scenarios, such as when using external job scheduling tools, or when there are issues with the RFC (Remote Function Call) connections.
  Causes:
  
  Network Issues: Problems with the network connectivity between the SAP system and the external system.
  RFC Connection Problems: The RFC destination may be incorrectly configured, inactive, or experiencing issues.
  Authorization Issues: The user or service account used for the communication may not have the necessary authorizations.
  System Configuration: Incorrect settings in the SAP system or the external system that prevent successful communication.
  Resource Limitations: The SAP system may be experiencing resource constraints (e.g., memory, CPU) that affect its ability to process requests.
  External System Down: The external system that the SAP system is trying to communicate with may be down or unresponsive.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Network Connectivity: Ensure that there are no network issues between the SAP system and the external system. You can use tools like ping or traceroute to diagnose connectivity.
  Verify RFC Connections:
  
  Go to transaction SM59 and check the configuration of the RFC destination.
  Test the connection to ensure it is working properly.
  
  
  Review Authorizations: Ensure that the user or service account has the necessary authorizations to perform the scheduled job.
  Check System Logs: Use transaction SM21 to review the system logs for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context.
  Monitor System Resources: Check the system performance and resource usage using transaction SM50 or ST02 to identify any bottlenecks.
  Consult External System Logs: If applicable, check the logs of the external system for any errors or issues that may be affecting communication.
  Restart Services: If the external system is down, restart the necessary services or contact the support team for that system.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the BT618 error. You can search for relevant notes in the SAP Support Portal.
  Documentation: Review the SAP documentation for background job scheduling and external communication to ensure that all configurations are correct.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance, providing them with detailed logs and error messages.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the BT618 error in your SAP system.