How To Fix KB504 - Enter the job name and variant

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KB - Controlling: Reporting

• Message number: 504

• Message text: Enter the job name and variant

What causes this issue?

You must enter the job name. This identifies the report in the batch
environment.
The version contains the entry data. This version must be created
before you call up the batch request.
You can set up the version if you are starting a report online (using a
screen and keyboard). For example, you have started the selection. You
specify which controlling area, which cost center, which order etc. are
to be read (= selected). Before using <ZH>Output</>, you can store the
entries you have made as a version. This version is used for processing
your entries in batch (because no entries using the keyboard are
possible). You can also access the version online, which means you do
not have to re-enter the values. The batch user name is checked for
authorization. Adapt the name for certain checks.
You should not change the program name at this point.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

You should follow the steps outlined below:
Give your report an understandable job name.
Access the version you wish to use to run the report in batch with the
menu path <ZH> Goto -> Version overview</>. Specify when and how the
report is to be run. Use the functions displayed to do this.
Use <ZH>Request</> to plan for the report. Use the menu path <ZH>Goto
-> Job overview</> to check the report planning. Here you can display
the results, the job-run log and the job status.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KB504 - Enter the job name and variant ?

  The SAP error message "KB504 Enter the job name and variant" typically occurs when you are trying to schedule a background job in SAP, but you have not provided the necessary job name and variant information. This error is common when using transaction codes related to job scheduling, such as SM36 (Define Background Job).
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the following reasons:
  
  Missing Job Name: You have not entered a name for the job you are trying to create or schedule.
  Missing Variant: You have not specified a variant for the program you want to run in the background job. Variants are used to store specific selection criteria for reports or programs.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Enter Job Name:
  
  When you are in the job scheduling screen (SM36), ensure that you provide a unique name for the job in the "Job Name" field.
  
  
  
  Specify a Variant:
  
  In the same screen, you need to select a variant for the program you are scheduling. If you do not have a variant created, you can create one by:
  
  Going to the transaction code for the program you want to run.
  Entering the selection criteria you want to save.
  Saving the criteria as a variant (using the "Save as Variant" option).
  
  
  
  
  
  Check for Required Fields:
  
  Ensure that all required fields in the job scheduling screen are filled out correctly. This includes the job name, variant, and any other necessary parameters.
  
  
  
  Review Job Details:
  
  After entering the job name and variant, review all other job details to ensure they are correct before saving or scheduling the job.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM36: To define a background job.
  SM37: To monitor background jobs.
  SE38: To execute a program and create a variant.
  
  
  
  Creating Variants:
  
  Variants can be created in the program execution screen by clicking on the "Variants" button and then selecting "Create".
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP Help documentation for more detailed instructions on job scheduling and variant management.
  
  
  
  By ensuring that you provide both a job name and a variant, you should be able to resolve the KB504 error and successfully schedule your background job in SAP.