How To Fix XBP_EXT018 - Determine 'Start Condition' first

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: XBP_EXT - XBP Extension

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Determine 'Start Condition' first

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message XBP_EXT018 - Determine 'Start Condition' first ?

  The SAP error message XBP_EXT018: "Determine 'Start Condition' first" typically occurs in the context of background job scheduling in SAP, particularly when using the SAP Business Process Management (BPM) or the SAP Background Processing (XBP) framework. This error indicates that the system is unable to determine the start condition for a job or process that you are trying to schedule or execute.
  Cause:
  The error usually arises due to one of the following reasons:
  
  Missing Start Condition: The job or process you are trying to schedule does not have a defined start condition. This could be due to a configuration oversight or an incomplete setup.
  Incorrect Job Configuration: The job might be incorrectly configured, leading to the system being unable to identify when to start the job.
  Dependencies Not Met: If the job has dependencies on other jobs or processes, and those dependencies are not met, the system may not be able to determine the start condition.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the XBP_EXT018 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Job Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code SM37 (Job Monitoring) and check the configuration of the job that is causing the error.
  Ensure that the job has a defined start condition. You can do this by editing the job and reviewing the "Start Condition" settings.
  
  
  
  Define Start Conditions:
  
  If the job does not have a start condition, you will need to define one. This can be done by specifying a time-based start condition (e.g., immediate, at a specific time) or an event-based start condition (e.g., after another job completes).
  
  
  
  Review Dependencies:
  
  If the job has dependencies, ensure that all prerequisite jobs or conditions are met before scheduling the job. You may need to adjust the scheduling of dependent jobs.
  
  
  
  Check for Errors in Job Definition:
  
  Review the job definition for any errors or inconsistencies that might prevent the system from determining the start condition.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If you are unsure about how to set the start conditions, refer to the SAP documentation or help resources related to job scheduling and background processing.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  SM37: Job Monitoring
  SM36: Define Job
  SM21: System Log (to check for any related system errors)
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Documentation: Review the SAP Help Portal for detailed information on background job scheduling and the XBP framework.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the XBP_EXT018 error in your SAP system.