How To Fix WZ072 - Preceding or following job cannot be updated

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WZ - Workflow: Model objects

• Message number: 072

• Message text: Preceding or following job cannot be updated

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WZ072 - Preceding or following job cannot be updated ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WZ072 - Preceding or following job cannot be updated
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to change or update a job in the SAP background job scheduling system (transaction SM36 or SM37), but the system detects that the job is linked to other jobs in a chain (preceding or following jobs) and these linked jobs cannot be updated. This usually happens because:
  
  The job is part of a job chain where jobs are scheduled to run sequentially.
  The preceding or following job is in a status that does not allow changes (e.g., active, released, or already running).
  The job dependencies or job chain links are inconsistent or locked.
  The job is currently being processed or locked by another user or process.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In SAP, jobs can be linked so that one job starts only after the preceding job finishes successfully. When you try to update a job that is part of such a chain, SAP checks the status of the linked jobs. If the linked jobs cannot be updated (due to their status or locks), SAP throws the WZ072 error to prevent inconsistent job scheduling.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the WZ072 error, you can try the following steps:
  
  
  Check Job Status:
  
  Use transaction SM37 to check the status of the preceding and following jobs.
  Ensure that these jobs are not currently running or active.
  If they are running, wait until they finish.
  
  
  
  Release or Delete Jobs:
  
  If the preceding or following jobs are in a released or scheduled state but need to be changed, consider deleting or releasing them first.
  You may need to delete the entire job chain and recreate it if the dependencies are broken.
  
  
  
  Remove Job Dependencies:
  
  If you want to update a job independently, remove the job chain dependencies.
  In transaction SM36, when scheduling the job, check the "Job chain" or "After job" settings and remove or adjust them.
  
  
  
  Check for Locks:
  
  Use transaction SM12 to check for any locks on the job entries.
  If locks exist and are stale, you may need to delete them (with caution and proper authorization).
  
  
  
  Use SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes related to WZ072.
  Sometimes, specific patches or corrections are available for job scheduling issues.
  
  
  
  System Restart (if applicable):
  
  In rare cases, if jobs are stuck due to system issues, a system restart or background job server restart might be necessary.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM36 - Define background jobs
  SM37 - Monitor background jobs
  SM12 - Display and delete locks
  
  
  
  Job Chains:
  
  Jobs can be linked so that one job starts after another finishes.
  Changing jobs in a chain requires careful handling of dependencies.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Search for SAP Notes with keywords like "WZ072", "job chain update error", or "background job update error".
  
  
  
  SAP Documentation:
  
  Background job scheduling and management in SAP Basis guides.
  SAP Help Portal sections on job scheduling.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The WZ072 error indicates that a job linked in a chain cannot be updated because its preceding or following job is in a state that prevents changes. To fix it, check the status of linked jobs, remove or adjust dependencies, clear locks, and ensure no jobs are running or locked before updating.
  
  If you need further assistance, please provide details about the job chain setup, job statuses, and the exact operation you are trying to perform.