How To Fix 3B986 - Posting to payroll is possible only for periods 01, 02, 03

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 3B - Messages HR SK

• Message number: 986

• Message text: Posting to payroll is possible only for periods 01, 02, 03

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 3B986 - Posting to payroll is possible only for periods 01, 02, 03 ?

  The SAP error message 3B986 indicates that there is an issue with posting payroll data for periods outside of the allowed range, which is typically limited to the first three months of the year (January, February, and March). This error usually occurs when an attempt is made to post payroll data for a period that is not permitted by the system configuration.
  Cause:
  
  Period Restrictions: The system is configured to allow payroll postings only for specific periods (in this case, the first three months of the year). This is often a part of the payroll processing rules set by the organization.
  Incorrect Period Selection: The user may have selected a period for payroll processing that falls outside the allowed range.
  Configuration Settings: The payroll schema or configuration settings may have been set to restrict postings to certain periods.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Posting Period: Verify the period you are trying to post. Ensure that it is within the allowed range (01, 02, or 03).
  Adjust Configuration: If you need to post payroll for periods beyond the first three months, you may need to adjust the configuration settings in the payroll module. This typically requires access to the SAP configuration settings and may involve:
  
  Modifying the payroll schema.
  Changing the period control settings in the payroll configuration.
  
  
  Consult with Payroll Administrator: If you are unsure about making changes to the configuration, consult with your payroll administrator or SAP support team to ensure that any changes made are in compliance with organizational policies and regulations.
  Use Correct Transaction Codes: Ensure that you are using the correct transaction codes for payroll processing. Sometimes, using the wrong transaction can lead to such errors.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific notes related to error message 3B986. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions and workarounds for common issues.
  Documentation: Review the SAP documentation related to payroll processing and period control to understand the implications of changing any settings.
  Testing: If changes are made to the configuration, it is advisable to test the payroll posting in a development or test environment before applying changes to the production environment.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully post payroll data within the allowed periods.