How To Fix 26012 - The status set requires a previous status

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 26 - Dokumentenverwaltung

• Message number: 012

• Message text: The status set requires a previous status

What causes this issue?

You want to create a document and have overwritten the default status
with another status.
However, according to the settings in the IMG, this status cannot be
the first status you set for a document. At least one previous status
is required.

How to fix this error?

Display the possible entries for the status.
Select a status.
If you still want to enter a status which is not one of the possible
entries, the status network needs to be changed first. In this case,
contact the person or department responsible for maintaining the status
network for document management.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 26012 - The status set requires a previous status ?

  The SAP error message 26012, which states "The status set requires a previous status," typically occurs in the context of status management in SAP, particularly when dealing with business objects like orders, projects, or other entities that have a defined status lifecycle.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when you attempt to set a status on an object that requires a specific previous status to be in place. For example, if a status change is defined in the system to only be allowed from a certain previous status, and the current status of the object does not match that requirement, you will encounter this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Current Status: Verify the current status of the object you are trying to change. You can do this by navigating to the object in question and checking its status in the relevant transaction or report.
  
  
  Review Status Management Configuration: If you have access to the configuration settings, review the status management settings for the object type. This includes checking the status profile and the allowed transitions between statuses.
  
  
  Change to Required Previous Status: If the current status does not meet the requirements for the status you are trying to set, you will need to change the status to the required previous status first. This may involve setting the status back to an earlier state that allows for the desired transition.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help files related to status management for the specific module you are working with. This can provide insights into the status transitions and requirements.
  
  
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to change the status. Sometimes, restrictions can be due to user roles and permissions.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide more tailored assistance based on your specific configuration and business processes.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Status Profiles: In SAP, status profiles define the statuses that can be assigned to an object and the allowed transitions between those statuses.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes (like IW32 for changing work orders, or CJ20N for project management) that may help you navigate to the object in question.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to status management that might be relevant to your version of SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to change the status as needed.