/ASU/GENERAL016 - Can't schedule follow-up steps: preparation steps have to be run first

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /ASU/GENERAL -

• Message number: 016

• Message text: Can't schedule follow-up steps: preparation steps have to be run first

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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AnswerBot

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /ASU/GENERAL016 - Can't schedule follow-up steps: preparation steps have to be run first ?

  The SAP error message /ASU/GENERAL016 Can't schedule follow-up steps: preparation steps have to be run first typically occurs in the context of a process that requires certain prerequisite steps to be completed before subsequent steps can be executed. This error is often seen in scenarios involving workflows, data processing, or batch jobs where a sequence of operations is defined.
  Cause:
  
  
  Missing Prerequisite Steps: The error indicates that the system is trying to execute follow-up steps without having completed the necessary preparation steps. This could be due to:
  
  The preparation steps were not executed.
  The preparation steps failed or were skipped.
  There is a misconfiguration in the workflow or process definition.
  
  
  
  Incorrect Workflow Configuration: If the workflow or process is not correctly set up, it may not recognize that the preparation steps have been completed.
  
  
  Data Dependencies: Sometimes, the data required for the follow-up steps may not be available if the preparation steps did not run successfully.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Preparation Steps: Review the logs or status of the preparation steps to ensure they have been executed successfully. If they have not been run, execute them manually.
  
  
  Review Workflow Configuration: Ensure that the workflow or process is correctly configured. Check for any missing links or dependencies that might prevent the preparation steps from being recognized as complete.
  
  
  Error Logs: Look into the error logs for any additional messages that might provide more context on why the preparation steps were not completed.
  
  
  Re-run the Process: If the preparation steps were skipped or failed, re-run the entire process from the beginning to ensure all steps are executed in the correct order.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help resources related to the specific module or process you are working with for any additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance, especially if this is a recurring issue.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may need to use specific transaction codes to monitor or execute the relevant steps (e.g., SM37 for job monitoring).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide patches or updates.
  User Permissions: Ensure that the user executing the steps has the necessary permissions to run both the preparation and follow-up steps.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.