How To Fix 5W368 - Substitute data not saved; substitution period invalid

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 368

• Message text: Substitute data not saved; substitution period invalid

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 5W368 - Substitute data not saved; substitution period invalid ?

  The SAP error message 5W368 indicates that the system was unable to save substitute data because the substitution period is invalid. This error typically occurs in the context of SAP's substitution functionality, which allows for the temporary replacement of one employee with another in various processes, such as time management or workflow.
  Cause:
  The error can arise due to several reasons:
  
  Invalid Dates: The substitution period specified may not be valid. This could mean that the start date is after the end date, or the dates fall outside of the allowed range.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the system that restrict the substitution periods.
  Missing Authorizations: The user may not have the necessary permissions to create or modify substitution records.
  Data Integrity Issues: There may be inconsistencies in the data that prevent the substitution from being saved.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Dates: Verify that the start and end dates of the substitution period are correct. Ensure that the start date is before the end date and that both dates are within the acceptable range defined in the system.
  
  
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings related to substitutions in the SAP system. Ensure that the settings allow for the specified substitution period.
  
  
  User Authorizations: Ensure that the user attempting to save the substitution has the necessary authorizations. You may need to consult with your SAP security team to verify this.
  
  
  Data Validation: Check for any data integrity issues that might be causing the error. This could involve looking for duplicate entries or inconsistencies in the employee records.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on managing substitutions and any known issues related to the error message.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  
  
  Testing: If changes are made, test the substitution functionality again to ensure that the error has been resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) or PT50 (Substitution) to manage substitutions effectively.
  SAP Help Portal: Utilize the SAP Help Portal for detailed documentation on substitution processes and error handling.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups for shared experiences and solutions related to this error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to save the substitute data successfully.