How To Fix >4686 - Cannot determine period for periodicity &1 and date &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: >4 - SAP File Transfer Protocol

• Message number: 686

• Message text: Cannot determine period for periodicity &1 and date &2

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message >4686 - Cannot determine period for periodicity &1 and date &2 ?

  The SAP error message "4686 Cannot determine period for periodicity &1 and date &2" typically occurs in the context of periodic processing, such as in financial or controlling modules. This error indicates that the system is unable to determine the appropriate period for a given periodicity and date combination.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Periodicity: The periodicity specified (e.g., monthly, quarterly) may not be valid for the date provided. This can happen if the periodicity is not defined correctly in the system.
  Missing Periods: The periods for the specified fiscal year or period may not be defined in the system. For example, if the fiscal year has not been set up correctly, or if the periods have not been opened for posting.
  Date Outside of Range: The date provided may fall outside the range of defined periods for the specified periodicity.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the controlling or financial modules that prevent the system from determining the correct period.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Periodicity Configuration: Verify that the periodicity defined in the system is correct and corresponds to the date you are trying to process.
  Review Periods: Check the periods defined for the fiscal year in the configuration settings. Ensure that the periods are open and available for posting.
  
  You can do this by navigating to the relevant configuration settings in SAP (e.g., SPRO) and checking the fiscal year variant and period settings.
  
  
  Validate Date: Ensure that the date you are using falls within the valid range of periods for the specified periodicity.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like OB52 (to check and maintain posting periods) or OAVC (to check the fiscal year variant) to review and adjust settings as necessary.
  Consult Documentation: If the issue persists, consult SAP documentation or support for further troubleshooting steps specific to your configuration.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error message or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  User Forums: Consider searching SAP community forums or user groups for similar issues and solutions shared by other users.
  Testing: After making changes, perform tests to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that periodic processing works as expected.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.