How To Fix WL663 - Background job & for automatic restart has multiple instances

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WL - Workflow: run-time messages

• Message number: 663

• Message text: Background job & for automatic restart has multiple instances

What causes this issue?

The background job &V1& which is used to automatically restart work
items with temporary errors occurs in several instances with the status
"ready", "released" and/or "scheduled".

System Response

The action was terminated.

How to fix this error?

Use the background job management to check the status of the background
job &V1&. Delete unnecessary instances of the background job.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WL663 - Background job & for automatic restart has multiple instances ?

  The SAP error message WL663 indicates that a background job is set to automatically restart, but there are multiple instances of the job already running. This situation can occur for various reasons, and understanding the cause and solution is essential for effective troubleshooting.
  Cause:
  
  Multiple Job Instances: The job is configured to restart automatically, and there are already multiple instances of the job running. This can happen if the job is scheduled to run frequently or if it takes longer to complete than expected.
  Job Overlap: If the job is not designed to handle overlapping executions, it may lead to this error when a new instance is triggered while the previous one is still running.
  Configuration Issues: The job scheduling parameters may not be set correctly, leading to unintended multiple executions.
  Long Execution Time: If the job takes longer than anticipated to complete, it may trigger another instance before the previous one finishes.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Job Status: Use transaction code SM37 to check the status of the background job. Look for any running instances and their statuses.
  Adjust Scheduling: If the job is scheduled to run too frequently, consider adjusting the frequency to allow sufficient time for completion.
  Modify Job Parameters: Review the job's configuration settings. Ensure that it is set to handle overlapping executions if necessary, or adjust the job to prevent overlaps.
  Manual Intervention: If there are multiple instances running, you may need to manually stop the running jobs. This can be done in transaction SM37 by selecting the job and choosing the option to cancel or terminate it.
  Review Job Logic: If the job logic allows for long execution times, consider optimizing the job to reduce its runtime or breaking it into smaller jobs that can run sequentially.
  Monitor Job Execution: Implement monitoring to track the job's execution time and performance, which can help in identifying issues before they lead to errors.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM37: Monitor background jobs.
  SM36: Define and schedule background jobs.
  SM21: Check system logs for any related errors or warnings.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to background job management.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on background job scheduling and management for best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the WL663 error and ensure that your background jobs run smoothly without conflicts.