Batch Job

Why Trust Techopedia

What Does Batch Job Mean?

A batch job in SAP is a scheduled background program that usually runs on a regular basis without any user intervention. Batch jobs are provided with more allocated memory than the ones that are done in the foreground. They are used to process high volumes of data that would normally consume long-term memory if run in the foreground, as well as for running programs that require less user interaction.

Techopedia Explains Batch Job

One of the advantages of running large programs as batch job is that more servers can dedicate more work processes in night mode, when there are few interactive users. The number of batch jobs during the day could be restricted to fewer servers and numbers as needed.

If a batch job creates an output that is to be printed, faxed or emailed, the output is transferred to the spool management in the R/3 system.

To create a new batch job, one can use transaction SM36. This involves defining the job name, job class and target server if needed. However, it is recommended that users avoid choosing the target server when creating the batch job, and allow the background system to determine the server as and when needed instead. Batch jobs can also start processing based on specific events and results. SM36 also provides a batch job wizard.

Related Terms

Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.