Error
Error Code:
4738
SAP S/4HANA Error 4738: Invalid Usable Scheduler Job
Description
This error indicates that a scheduled background job within SAP S/4HANA has been marked as unusable or invalid. It typically occurs when the job's underlying configuration, associated programs, or user permissions change after the job was initially scheduled, preventing its successful execution.
Error Message
ERR_INV_USABLE_SCHEDULER_JOB
Known Causes
4 known causesJob Configuration Altered
Changes were made to the job's definition, parameters, or associated program after it was scheduled, rendering the original schedule invalid.
Insufficient User Permissions
The user account under which the job is scheduled no longer has the necessary authorizations to execute the task or access required resources.
Referenced Object Missing
A program, report, or other object that the scheduler job was configured to execute has been deleted or moved, making the job's target unavailable.
System Data Inconsistency
Rarely, an inconsistency in the SAP system's job scheduling tables or metadata can lead to jobs being incorrectly marked as invalid.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Verify and Correct Job Scheduling Parameters medium
Ensures the job's scheduling parameters are valid and correctly configured within SAP.
1
Access the SAP system and navigate to transaction SM36 (Job Scheduling).
2
Enter the name of the job that is encountering the error 4738 and click 'Display'.
3
Review the 'Start Condition' tab. Pay close attention to the 'Date/Time' and 'Period' fields. Ensure that the scheduled start date and time are valid and that any recurring schedule (e.g., daily, weekly) is configured logically and doesn't create impossible scenarios (e.g., scheduling a job to run at minute 70 of an hour).
4
If the job has periodic scheduling, check the 'Period values' section for any incorrect or overlapping definitions.
5
If any invalid parameters are found, correct them and save the job definition. If the job is already active, you may need to cancel and recreate it with the corrected parameters.
2. Recreate the Scheduler Job Definition medium
A corrupted job definition can cause this error; recreating it can resolve the issue.
1
In transaction SM36, find the problematic job and note down all its details, including program name, variant, user, and start conditions.
2
Cancel the existing job definition (if it's active or has pending runs).
3
Create a new job with the same name (or a new unique name) and re-enter all the previously noted details. Ensure all parameters, especially start conditions and variants, are configured correctly.
4
Save the newly created job definition and activate it.
3. Investigate Underlying Program or Variant Issues advanced
The error might stem from an issue with the program or its variant, making the job 'unusable'.
1
Identify the program and variant associated with the failing job (from SM36 or SM37).
2
Execute the program directly in transaction SE38 (ABAP Editor) or SA38 (ABAP Program Execution) using the same variant. Observe if the program runs successfully without errors.
3
If the program execution fails, debug the program to identify the root cause. This may involve analyzing ABAP code, data inconsistencies, or authorization issues.
4
If the variant is the issue, re-create the variant in transaction SE38/SA38, ensuring all selection criteria and parameters are valid and that there are no conflicting or impossible settings.
5
Once the program and variant are confirmed to be functional, re-schedule the job in SM36.