How To Fix WA854 - Background job & could not be scheduled

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WA - Messages from Workflow Event Manager

• Message number: 854

• Message text: Background job & could not be scheduled

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WA854 - Background job & could not be scheduled ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WA854 - Background job & could not be scheduled
  
  Cause:
  The error message WA854 occurs when an attempt to schedule a background job fails. This typically means that the SAP system was unable to schedule the job in the background job scheduler (SM36) due to one or more of the following reasons:
  
  No available work processes: The system does not have free background work processes to execute the job.
  Incorrect job parameters: The job definition might have invalid or incomplete parameters.
  Job scheduling conflicts: The job name or job class conflicts with existing jobs or system restrictions.
  System load or resource constraints: The system is under heavy load or resource limitations preventing new jobs from being scheduled.
  Authorization issues: The user scheduling the job lacks the necessary authorizations.
  Spool or print issues: Problems with spool requests or output devices can prevent job scheduling.
  Job server or dispatcher issues: The background job server or dispatcher might be down or not functioning properly.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WA854 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Background Work Processes:
  
  Use transaction SM50 or SM66 to check the status of work processes.
  Ensure there are free background work processes available.
  If all are busy, wait or increase the number of background work processes in instance profile parameters (rdisp/wp_no_btc).
  
  
  
  Verify Job Parameters:
  
  Review the job definition in SM36.
  Ensure all mandatory fields (job name, start time, job class) are correctly filled.
  Check if the job name is unique or if there are conflicting jobs.
  
  
  
  Check System Load and Resources:
  
  Monitor system load via SM51, ST06, or OS-level tools.
  If the system is overloaded, consider rescheduling the job for a less busy time.
  
  
  
  Check Authorizations:
  
  Verify that the user scheduling the job has the necessary authorizations (e.g., S_BTCH_JOB).
  
  
  
  Review Spool and Output Devices:
  
  Check spool requests in SP01.
  Ensure output devices are correctly configured and available.
  
  
  
  Check Job Server and Dispatcher:
  
  Use SM37 to check job status.
  Restart the background job server if necessary.
  Check dispatcher status in SM51.
  
  
  
  Review System Logs:
  
  Use SM21 to check system logs for related errors.
  Look for any system errors or dumps that might affect job scheduling.
  
  
  
  Check for SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to WA854.
  Apply any relevant patches or corrections.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM36 – Define and schedule background jobs.
  SM37 – Monitor background jobs.
  SM50/SM66 – Work process overview.
  SP01 – Spool request management.
  SM21 – System log.
  
  
  
  Profile Parameters:
  
  rdisp/wp_no_btc – Number of background work processes.
  rdisp/btc_max_job – Maximum number of background jobs.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes for specific issues related to WA854 or job scheduling problems.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  WA854 indicates that the background job could not be scheduled due to system resource constraints, incorrect job parameters, authorization issues, or system errors. The solution involves checking system resources, job definitions, authorizations, and system logs, and ensuring the background job infrastructure is functioning correctly.