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

12013 - Overview

• 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