How To Fix 12146 - Figures cannot be used as external period indicators

12146 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 12 - Herstelldatum/Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum/Chargen

• Message number: 146

• Message text: Figures cannot be used as external period indicators

What causes this issue?

To ensure that a clear distinction is made between the internal and
external format of a period indicator, numbers cannot be used as
external period indicators.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

12146 - Details

• The SAP error message 12146, which states "Figures cannot be used as external period indicators," typically occurs in the context of financial reporting or when dealing with period indicators in SAP. This error indicates that the system is unable to process certain figures as valid external period indicators, which are used to define specific time periods for reporting or data processing.
  
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The error may arise from incorrect configuration settings in the financial module, particularly in the settings related to fiscal year variants or period indicators.
  Data Entry Issues: If the user is trying to enter figures that are not recognized as valid period indicators, this can trigger the error.
  Period Status: The period being referenced may be closed or not open for posting, leading to the inability to use certain figures as indicators.
  Invalid Period Indicator: The figures being used may not correspond to valid external period indicators defined in the system.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Check