How To Fix 5K201 - The specified target year cannot precede the source year

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5K - HR: Messages for Canada

• Message number: 201

• Message text: The specified target year cannot precede the source year

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5K201 - The specified target year cannot precede the source year ?

  The SAP error message 5K201 ("The specified target year cannot precede the source year") typically occurs in the context of financial planning, budgeting, or data migration processes within SAP systems. This error indicates that there is an attempt to perform an operation where the target year for a financial transaction or data entry is set to a year that is earlier than the source year, which is not allowed.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Year Selection: The user may have selected a target year that is earlier than the source year. For example, if the source year is 2023, the target year cannot be set to 2022 or earlier.
  Data Migration Issues: During data migration or data uploads, the target year might be incorrectly specified in the data file or mapping.
  Configuration Errors: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that enforce this rule, and they may not be aligned with the user's intentions.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Year Selection: Review the years selected in the transaction or process that triggered the error. Ensure that the target year is equal to or later than the source year.
  Adjust Data Input: If you are uploading data, check the data file for any incorrect year entries and correct them.
  Review Configuration: If applicable, review the configuration settings related to financial planning or budgeting to ensure they are set up correctly.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on the transaction or process you are working with.
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes related to financial planning, budgeting, or data migration, such as KP06, KP07, or during the use of data upload tools.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional context.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that the user has the appropriate roles and permissions to perform the operation, as sometimes restrictions can lead to unexpected errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and proceed with your intended operation in SAP.