How To Fix STC_TM196 - Task '&1' requires successor '&2' which occurs multiple times

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: STC_TM - Task List Manager Messages

• Message number: 196

• Message text: Task '&1' requires successor '&2' which occurs multiple times

What causes this issue?

Task '&V1&' needs task '&V2&' as successor which occurs multiple times
in the task list.

System Response

The task list cannot be processed.

How to fix this error?

Adjust the task list before creating a task list run or variant. Make
sure that task '&V2&' occurs only once in the list and that it is
processed after task '&V1&'.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message STC_TM196 - Task '&1' requires successor '&2' which occurs multiple times ?

  The SAP error message STC_TM196 indicates that a task in a transport management or background job requires a successor task to be completed before it can proceed. This error typically occurs in the context of task scheduling in the SAP Transport Management System (TMS) or when managing background jobs in the SAP system.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  A task (denoted as &1) is dependent on another task (denoted as &2) that has not yet been completed or is not available.
  The task dependencies are not correctly defined, or the predecessor task has failed or is still in progress.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the STC_TM196 error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Task Status:
  
  Go to the transaction code ST22 or SM37 to check the status of the predecessor task (&2). Ensure that it has completed successfully.
  
  
  
  Review Task Dependencies:
  
  Use transaction STC01 (for background jobs) or STMS (for transport tasks) to review the task dependencies. Ensure that the predecessor task is correctly defined and is in the correct state.
  
  
  
  Complete or Restart Predecessor Task:
  
  If the predecessor task has failed, you may need to analyze the logs to understand why it failed and take corrective action. Once resolved, restart the predecessor task.
  
  
  
  Adjust Task Scheduling:
  
  If the tasks are scheduled incorrectly, you may need to adjust the scheduling of the tasks to ensure that dependencies are respected.
  
  
  
  Check for Locks:
  
  Sometimes, tasks may be locked due to other processes. Check for any locks that might be preventing the predecessor task from completing.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  ST22: Dump analysis
  SM37: Job monitoring
  STC01: Background job management
  STMS: Transport Management System
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation on task management and dependencies for more detailed information on how to manage tasks and their relationships.
  
  
  
  SAP Community:
  
  Consider searching or posting in the SAP Community forums for additional insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the STC_TM196 error and implement a solution to resolve it.