How To Fix AJ157 - Previous document for contract &1 could not be read

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AJ - Billing program

• Message number: 157

• Message text: Previous document for contract &1 could not be read

What causes this issue?

The system attempted to read the preceding document for contract &v1&
from the database. The end of billing period &v2& was selected as a
selection criterion. The preceding document could not be read.

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 AJ157 - Previous document for contract &1 could not be read ?

  The SAP error message AJ157 indicates that the system is unable to read the previous document related to a contract. This can occur in various scenarios, such as when trying to create or modify a contract, and it typically points to issues with document references or data integrity.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Document: The previous document that the contract references may have been deleted or archived.
  Incorrect Document Number: The document number provided may be incorrect or not exist in the system.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to access the previous document.
  Data Inconsistencies: There may be inconsistencies in the database or issues with the data model that prevent the system from retrieving the document.
  System Configuration: There may be configuration issues in the contract management module or related areas.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Document Existence: Verify that the previous document exists in the system. You can do this by searching for the document number in the relevant transaction (e.g., ME23N for purchase orders).
  Validate Document Number: Ensure that the document number entered is correct and corresponds to an existing document.
  Review Authorizations: Check the user’s authorization profile to ensure they have the necessary permissions to access the document.
  Data Consistency Check: Run consistency checks or reports to identify any data integrity issues. You may need to consult with your SAP Basis or technical team for this.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or notes related to the specific error message for any additional troubleshooting steps or patches.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance, especially if it appears to be a bug or a deeper system issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ME23N (Display Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), or the specific transaction related to the contract you are working with.
  SAP Notes: Search for SAP Notes related to error AJ157 in the SAP Support Portal for any known issues or fixes.
  System Logs: Check system logs (transaction SLG1) for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issue related to the SAP error message AJ157.