How To Fix 5N327 - The old record may not be changed; create a new record

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5N - HR NL: Error Messages for Infotype Module Pools (NL)

• Message number: 327

• Message text: The old record may not be changed; create a new record

What causes this issue?

You are attempting to change a record in a period which precedes the
current payroll period. For adjustment procedures for payroll
calculations you must always change the data of Infotype
<ZK>Calculations for Adjustment Procedure </>(0879) in the most recent
payroll period.

System Response

The system does not allow adjustments to old records.

How to fix this error?

Create a new record.

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 5N327 - The old record may not be changed; create a new record ?

  The SAP error message 5N327, "The old record may not be changed; create a new record," typically occurs in scenarios where you are trying to modify an existing record that is not allowed to be changed due to certain constraints or business rules defined in the system. This error is common in various SAP modules, such as Materials Management (MM), Sales and Distribution (SD), or Human Capital Management (HCM).
  Cause:
  
  Data Integrity Rules: The system may have rules that prevent changes to certain records once they have been created. This is often the case for master data records (like vendor or customer records) that are locked for editing after a certain point.
  Status of the Record: The record you are trying to change may be in a status that does not allow modifications. For example, if a purchase order has been fully processed or delivered, it may be locked for changes.
  Configuration Settings: The configuration settings in the SAP system may dictate that certain records are immutable after creation to maintain data integrity.
  Document Flow: If there are subsequent documents that depend on the record you are trying to change, the system may prevent changes to maintain consistency.
  
  Solution:
  
  Create a New Record: The simplest solution is to create a new record instead of trying to modify the existing one. This is often the recommended approach when dealing with master data or transactional records that are locked for changes.
  Check Status: Review the status of the record you are trying to change. If it is in a completed or locked status, you may need to follow the appropriate process to unlock it or create a new entry.
  Consult Documentation: Check the relevant SAP documentation or help files for the specific module you are working with to understand the rules around record changes.
  Contact Support: If you believe that the record should be editable and you are encountering this error unexpectedly, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or administrator for assistance. They may need to adjust configuration settings or provide guidance on how to proceed.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the module, you may be using different transaction codes (e.g., ME22N for changing purchase orders, VA02 for changing sales orders).
  User Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to the records in question.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this error or provide additional context on how to handle it.
  Testing in a Sandbox: If possible, replicate the issue in a sandbox environment to better understand the cause and test potential solutions without affecting production data.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the error message 5N327 effectively.