How To Fix STC_TM218 - Task requires predecessor '&2' which is failed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: STC_TM - Task List Manager Messages

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Task requires predecessor '&2' which is failed

What causes this issue?

Current task '&V1&' requires task '&V2&' as a predecessor task. The
execution of the predecessor task was not successful.

System Response

The current task can be executed if this warning is confirmed.

How to fix this error?

Try to repeat the execution of task '&V2&'. If this cannot be done or it
fails again, skip the current task (recommended) or confirm this
warning. To confirm the warning, execute the task list run again.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message STC_TM218 - Task requires predecessor '&2' which is failed ?

  The SAP error message STC_TM218 indicates that a task in a background job or a task chain requires a predecessor task to be completed successfully before it can start. The message specifically states that the predecessor task (identified by &2) has failed, which prevents the current task from executing.
  Cause:
  
  
  Predecessor Task Failure: The most common cause of this error is that the predecessor task has encountered an error and has not completed successfully. This could be due to various reasons such as:
  
  Data issues (e.g., missing or incorrect data).
  Configuration problems.
  Resource limitations (e.g., memory, processing power).
  Timeouts or other operational issues.
  
  
  
  Task Dependencies: The task chain is designed with dependencies, meaning that certain tasks cannot start until their predecessors have completed successfully. If the predecessor fails, it will block the subsequent tasks.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Predecessor Task Logs: 
  
  Go to the transaction code ST22 (Dump Analysis) or SM37 (Job Monitoring) to check the logs of the predecessor task that failed. Look for error messages or dumps that can provide insight into why it failed.
  
  
  
  Resolve the Issue: 
  
  Based on the logs, identify the root cause of the failure and take corrective actions. This may involve fixing data issues, adjusting configurations, or addressing resource constraints.
  
  
  
  Re-run the Predecessor Task: 
  
  Once the issue is resolved, re-run the predecessor task to ensure it completes successfully. You can do this from the same job monitoring tools.
  
  
  
  Monitor the Task Chain: 
  
  After the predecessor task has been successfully executed, monitor the task chain to ensure that the subsequent tasks can now execute without issues.
  
  
  
  Adjust Task Dependencies (if necessary): 
  
  If the failure of the predecessor task is a recurring issue, consider reviewing the task dependencies and the overall design of the task chain to see if adjustments are needed.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  ST22: For analyzing short dumps.
  SM37: For monitoring background jobs.
  STC01: For managing task chains.
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for more details on task chains and error handling.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address known issues related to task chains and error STC_TM218.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issue causing the STC_TM218 error message in your SAP environment.