3712834 - Error: Data Action Exceeds Maximum Time Limit in Synchronous Mode in SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)

• In a story, a data action is set to run in synchronous mode.
• However, this data action fails with the following error:
  • The data action XX exceeded the maximum time limit for running data actions in synchronous mode, while running on version Y. Try running the data action later or without having "Run in synchronous mode" enabled.
• The job monitor indicates a total duration of 30 seconds.
• The same data action can be finished successfully without having "Run in synchronous mode" enabled.

SAP Analytics Cloud 2026.Q1 and higher

1. Create a story.
2. Add -> Starters -> Data Action starter.
3. Select Run in synchronous mode in Run Mode Options.
4. Execute this data action in the story.
5. Observe that the data action fails with the error message: 
   • "The data action XX exceeded the maximum time limit for running data actions in synchronous mode, while running on version Y. Try running the data action later or without having "Run in synchronous mode" enabled."

This works as designed.

As indicated in the info (! icon) next to the Run Mode options in the Data Action Starter Builder:  

• "Run in synchronous mode
  This option is recommended for short-running data actions. A data action runs immediately and bypasses the workload queue.
  Please note:
  • This option lets you start multiple data actions on different versions. They run independent of each other. Your run fails if another data action is running on the same version or if processing times are too long.
  • If you don't select this option, you can start multiple data actions on the same or different versions. The system processes data actions one at a time. Data actions are given more time before they fail."

Additionally, the maximum time limit for synchronous mode is set to 30 seconds. Any data action runs exceeding 30 seconds will be canceled by the system.

At this time, there are no plans to modify this limit. For data actions requiring longer execution times, it is recommended to use the default asynchronous mode. Synchronous mode is specifically designed to optimize performance for short-running data actions by avoiding workload queue overhead.

• Use "Run in synchronous mode" exclusively for short-running data actions (e.g., <10s ). 
• For data actions requiring longer execution times, opt for the default asynchronous mode. 

run in synchronous mode, data actions, exceeded maximum limit, sap analytics cloud, error message, synchronous mode failure, form story, data action failure, sap planning, asynchronous, sync, failure, new feature, Q1.2025, QRC1 2026 , KBA , LOD-ANA-PL-DA , Data Actions , Problem