How To Fix AJ156 - No previous document could be found for contract &1

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AJ - Billing program

• Message number: 156

• Message text: No previous document could be found for contract &1

What causes this issue?

The system attempted to find the previous document for contract &v1& in
the database. The document could not be found.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AJ156 - No previous document could be found for contract &1 ?

  The SAP error message AJ156 "No previous document could be found for contract &1" typically occurs in the context of contract management or when dealing with contract-related transactions in SAP. This error indicates that the system is unable to find a preceding document (such as a purchase order, sales order, or another contract) that is necessary for processing the current contract.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Preceding Document: The most common cause is that the contract you are trying to process does not have a corresponding preceding document in the system.
  Incorrect Contract Number: The contract number entered may be incorrect or does not exist in the system.
  Document Deletion: The preceding document may have been deleted or archived, making it unavailable for reference.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the contract management module that are not set up correctly.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to view or access the preceding document.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Verify Contract Number: Double-check the contract number you are using to ensure it is correct and exists in the system.
  Check for Preceding Documents: Look for any related documents (like purchase orders or sales orders) that should exist for the contract. You can do this by using transaction codes like ME23N (for purchase orders) or VA03 (for sales orders).
  Review Document Flow: Use the document flow feature in SAP to trace the history of the contract and see if the preceding document is missing.
  Consult with IT or SAP Support: If you suspect that the document has been deleted or if there are configuration issues, consult with your IT department or SAP support team for further investigation.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the documents related to the contract.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME23N (Display Purchase Order), VA03 (Display Sales Order), and ME31K (Create Contract) to navigate through related documents.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or user manuals related to contract management for additional context and troubleshooting steps.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and take appropriate action to resolve it.