When a new custom field is created and marked as reportable, its metadata is not automatically available to the reporting framework. A synchronization process is required to update the reporting schema with the new field definition. The "Retrieve flexible fields metadata for reporting" task is an administrative job specifically designed to perform this synchronization. Running this task manually ensures that the reporting tools recognize and can access the newly created custom field, making it available for inclusion in reports.

A. Wait 2 hours for the schema to refresh automatically.

This is incorrect. While some system jobs are scheduled, there is no guaranteed automatic refresh within a specific timeframe. A manual task is required for immediate availability.

B. Custom fields must be created in the same module where reports are generated.

This is an incorrect architectural assumption. Custom fields are associated with business objects, and as long as they are marked reportable, they can be pulled into reports regardless of the module.

C. You did not assign the custom field to the appropriate report category.

This is not the primary reason. The key step is marking the field as "reportable." The failure to appear in reports is due to a metadata synchronization lag, not a categorization error.

1. SAP Knowledge Base Article 2318769 - Custom fields are not available in Reporting - SAP for Me.

Section: Symptom / Resolution

Content: This KBA directly addresses the issue. The resolution states: "Run the 'Retrieve flexible fields metadata for reporting' job from Reporting Manager to sync the new custom fields to reporting. This job will sync the custom fields created via UI or through data model changes." This confirms that running the specified task is the correct procedure.

2. SAP Help Portal - Implementing and Managing Reporting and Analytics in SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite

Section: Ad Hoc Report Builder > Enabling Custom Fields for Reporting

Content: The documentation explains that after adding custom fields to the data model and marking them as reportable

a synchronization step is necessary. It details that an administrator must run a job to make these fields visible in the reporting tools

which corresponds to the action described in the correct answer.