How To Fix 5W634 - The end date is earlier than the start date for & &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 634

• Message text: The end date is earlier than the start date for & &

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5W634 - The end date is earlier than the start date for & & ?

  The SAP error message 5W634 indicates that there is a date inconsistency in your data entry, specifically that the end date is set earlier than the start date for a particular object or transaction. This error typically occurs in various SAP modules, such as Project System (PS), Human Capital Management (HCM), or others where date ranges are critical.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The most common cause is that the user has mistakenly entered an end date that is earlier than the start date.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies in the date formats or values.
  System Configuration: In some cases, the configuration settings in SAP may not allow for certain date ranges, leading to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Date Entries: Review the start and end dates for the relevant transaction or object. Ensure that the end date is later than the start date.
  Correct the Dates: If you find that the end date is indeed earlier, update it to a valid date that is after the start date.
  Validation Rules: If this error occurs frequently, consider implementing validation rules or checks in your data entry process to prevent incorrect date entries.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates to enter, refer to the relevant SAP documentation or consult with a colleague or supervisor who is familiar with the specific process.
  System Configuration Review: If the issue persists, it may be necessary to review the system configuration or consult with your SAP Basis or technical team to ensure that there are no underlying issues.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the module, you may be using different transaction codes (e.g., CJ20N for Project System, PA30 for Personnel Administration).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the importance of date accuracy in SAP transactions to minimize the occurrence of this error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error message 5W634 and ensure that your date entries are consistent and valid.