You need to create time periods for the time profile in a planning area.

The Create Time Periods job in SAP IBP (via the Application Jobs app) generates time periods (e.g., weeks, months) for a time profile, a prerequisite for planning.

Option A: The planning area to which the time profile is assigned must be activeThis is incorrect. The planning area doesn’t need to be active during time period creation; the job operates on the time profile independently.

Option B: This application job can also be triggered from SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft ExcelThis is incorrect. The job is triggered via the Application Jobs app (Fiori), not the Excel add-in, which focuses on planning views.

Option C: A time profile has to be activated so that the application job can proceedThis is correct. The time profile must be activated (i.e., saved and valid) before the job can generate periods, ensuring configuration readiness, per SAP IBP’s time profile documentation.

Option D: It is mandatory to specify the planning area in the Parameter Section of the application jobThis is incorrect. The job requires the time profile ID, not the planning area, as parameters, though the time profile is linked to a planning area.

Thus, C is the key awareness point, per SAP IBP’s official job requirements.