How To Fix 5D838 - End date & is earlier than start date &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5D - Error Messages for German Infotype Module Pools

• Message number: 838

• Message text: End date & is earlier than start date &

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5D838 - End date & is earlier than start date & ?

  The SAP error message 5D838 indicates that there is a problem with the date configuration in your system, specifically that the end date is earlier than the start date. This error typically occurs in various SAP modules, such as SAP HR (Human Resources), SAP Project System (PS), or when dealing with master data records.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The most common cause is that the user has entered an end date that is earlier than the start date in a transaction or configuration.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies in the date entries.
  Configuration Errors: In some cases, the configuration settings for certain modules may not allow for the correct date ranges.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Date Entries: Review the entries for the start and end dates in the relevant transaction. Ensure that the end date is set to a date that is equal to or later than the start date.
  Correct Data: If you find that the end date is indeed earlier than the start date, correct it to reflect the proper date range.
  Validation Rules: Ensure that any validation rules or settings in the system are correctly configured to prevent this error from occurring in the future.
  Data Migration Review: If this error arises from data migration, review the migration process to ensure that date formats and values were correctly handled.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific modules to understand any additional constraints or requirements regarding date entries.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on where the error occurs, you may be using different transaction codes (e.g., PA30 for HR master data, CJ20N for project management).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to the records in question.
  Testing: After making corrections, test the changes in a development or quality assurance environment before applying them in production.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant for further assistance.