How To Fix 3F068 - Inconsistent validity periods exist

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 3F - Compensation Management

• Message number: 068

• Message text: Inconsistent validity periods exist

What causes this issue?

The validity period for one or more pay grade levels lies outside of
the validity period for the corresponding pay grade. The first of these
entries is level &V1& with the validity period &V2&.

System Response

The system issues a warning.

How to fix this error?

Delete the relevant pay grade levels or delimit them so that they lie
within the validity period of the pay grade.

Procedure for System Administrators

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.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 3F068 - Inconsistent validity periods exist ?

  The SAP error message 3F068 ("Inconsistent validity periods exist") typically occurs in the context of master data management, particularly when dealing with validity periods for certain data records, such as pricing conditions, material master data, or other time-dependent data.
  Cause:
  The error indicates that there are overlapping or inconsistent validity periods for the data you are trying to process. This can happen in various scenarios, such as:
  
  Overlapping Validity Periods: Two or more records have validity periods that overlap, which can create ambiguity in determining which record should be used.
  Gaps in Validity Periods: There may be gaps in the validity periods that do not allow for a continuous range of valid data.
  Incorrect Data Entry: Manual entry errors or incorrect data uploads can lead to inconsistencies in the validity periods.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Validity Periods: Review the validity periods of the records involved. Ensure that there are no overlaps or gaps. You can do this by:
  
  Accessing the relevant transaction (e.g., for pricing conditions, use transaction VK11 or VK12).
  Checking the validity dates for each record.
  
  
  
  Adjust Records: If you find overlapping periods, you will need to adjust the records:
  
  Modify the start and end dates to eliminate overlaps.
  Ensure that there are no gaps in the validity periods.
  
  
  
  Delete or Archive Old Records: If certain records are no longer needed, consider deleting or archiving them to simplify the data structure.
  
  
  Data Consistency Check: Use SAP tools to perform a consistency check on the relevant data. This can help identify any other inconsistencies that may not be immediately visible.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance related to the module you are working with, as the context can vary.
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes for managing the specific data type you are working with (e.g., MM01, MM02 for material master, VK11, VK12 for pricing conditions).
  Data Management Best Practices: Implement best practices for data management to prevent future inconsistencies, such as regular audits of master data and training for users on data entry procedures.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message, as they may provide additional insights or patches that address known issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error message 3F068 and ensure that your validity periods are consistent.