How To Fix 5W187 - An active interval already exists and will be deactivated

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5W - Messages for PD (Particularly Workflow)

• Message number: 187

• Message text: An active interval already exists and will be deactivated

What causes this issue?

Only one reserved number interval can be activated for each system or
client. When you save the changes, the existing active interval is
deactivated.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5W187 - An active interval already exists and will be deactivated ?

  The SAP error message 5W187 ("An active interval already exists and will be deactivated") typically occurs in the context of time management or scheduling within SAP systems, particularly when dealing with work schedules, time evaluation, or similar functionalities.
  Cause:
  This error message is triggered when you attempt to create or modify a time interval (such as a work schedule or time record) that overlaps with an existing active interval. SAP does not allow overlapping intervals for the same object (e.g., employee, work center) to maintain data integrity and avoid confusion in time evaluations.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Intervals: Review the existing time intervals for the employee or object in question. You can do this by navigating to the relevant transaction (e.g., PA20 for employee data, or PT50 for time evaluation) and checking the time records.
  
  
  Deactivate or Adjust Existing Intervals: If you find that there is indeed an overlapping interval, you may need to deactivate or adjust the existing interval to create space for the new one. This can involve:
  
  Changing the start or end date of the existing interval.
  Deactivating the existing interval if it is no longer needed.
  
  
  
  Create a New Interval: After resolving the conflict with the existing interval, you can proceed to create or modify the new interval as needed.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about how to proceed, refer to SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator for guidance on managing time intervals.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA20 (Display HR Master Data), PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data), PT50 (Time Evaluation), and others that may be relevant to your specific scenario.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message, as there may be known issues or enhancements that could affect how intervals are managed.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to view and modify time records, as restrictions may prevent you from making changes.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and manage your time intervals effectively within the SAP system.