How To Fix 12013 - Reference date (&1) must not be before date of production (&2)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 12 - Herstelldatum/Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum/Chargen

• Message number: 013

• Message text: Reference date (&1) must not be before date of production (&2)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 12013 - Reference date (&1) must not be before date of production (&2) ?

  The SAP error message 12013, which states "Reference date (&1) must not be before date of production (&2)," typically occurs in the context of production planning or inventory management. This error indicates that the reference date you are trying to use is earlier than the date of production for the material or item in question. 
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The reference date you are entering is earlier than the production date of the material.
  Data Integrity Issues: There may be inconsistencies in the data where the production date is not correctly updated or recorded.
  System Configuration: The system may have specific settings that enforce date constraints based on business rules.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Dates: Verify the reference date you are entering. Ensure that it is not earlier than the production date. You can do this by checking the production order or the material master data.
  Update Reference Date: If the reference date is indeed incorrect, update it to a date that is on or after the production date.
  Review Production Data: Check the production order or the relevant transaction to ensure that the production date is correctly set and reflects the actual production timeline.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates to use, refer to your organization's documentation or consult with a colleague who is familiar with the production process.
  System Configuration: If the issue persists and you believe the dates should be valid, consult with your SAP administrator or technical team to review the system configuration and any custom validations that may be in place.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may encounter this error in various transactions related to production orders, material movements, or inventory management.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to make changes to production orders or material data.
  Training: If you frequently encounter this error, consider additional training on SAP production planning and inventory management processes.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and proceed with your SAP transactions.