How To Fix /AIF/EXT_CONTACT017 - You cannot edit external contact &1; end of purpose date passed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /AIF/EXT_CONTACT -

• Message number: 017

• Message text: You cannot edit external contact &1; end of purpose date passed

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 /AIF/EXT_CONTACT017 - You cannot edit external contact &1; end of purpose date passed ?

  The SAP error message /AIF/EXT_CONTACT017 indicates that you are trying to edit an external contact in the SAP system, but the "end of purpose date" for that contact has passed. This typically means that the contact is no longer valid for editing due to the expiration of its defined purpose or validity period.
  Cause:
  
  End of Purpose Date Passed: The external contact has a defined end date for its purpose, and that date has already passed. This is a common scenario in systems that manage external contacts, where contacts may have a limited validity period based on business rules or compliance requirements.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the End of Purpose Date: Review the external contact's details to confirm the end of purpose date. If the date has indeed passed, you will not be able to edit the contact.
  
  
  Update the Contact: If you need to continue using this contact, you may need to:
  
  Extend the end of purpose date if your business rules allow it.
  Create a new external contact with the updated information if the original contact is no longer valid.
  
  
  
  Consult with Business Rules: Check with your organization's policies regarding external contacts. There may be specific procedures for handling expired contacts.
  
  
  Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to external contacts. If you do not have the required authorization, you may need to contact your system administrator.
  
  
  System Configuration: If you believe this is an error and the contact should still be editable, consult with your SAP Basis or AIF (Application Interface Framework) team to check if there are any configuration settings that need to be adjusted.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP AIF Documentation: Review the SAP Application Interface Framework documentation for more details on managing external contacts and understanding the implications of the end of purpose date.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  User Training: Ensure that users handling external contacts are trained on the policies regarding the management of contact validity and the implications of the end of purpose date.
  
  If the issue persists or if you need further assistance, consider reaching out to your SAP support team for more tailored help.