How To Fix APPL_MM_PUR_OA_CON012 - Enter a valid to date that is after the valid from date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: APPL_MM_PUR_OA_CON - Message class for Purchase Contracts

• Message number: 012

• Message text: Enter a valid to date that is after the valid from date

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 APPL_MM_PUR_OA_CON012 - Enter a valid to date that is after the valid from date ?

  The SAP error message APPL_MM_PUR_OA_CON012 indicates that there is an issue with the date range specified in a transaction, typically related to purchasing or material management. The error specifically states that the "to date" must be after the "valid from date." This is a common validation error in SAP when setting up validity periods for various master data, such as purchasing info records, contracts, or other related documents.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  The "valid from" date is set to a later date than the "valid to" date.
  The user is trying to create or modify a record where the date range is not logically correct.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check the Dates: Review the "valid from" and "valid to" dates you have entered. Ensure that the "valid to" date is later than the "valid from" date.
  
  
  Correct the Dates:
  
  If the "valid from" date is incorrect, adjust it to an earlier date.
  If the "valid to" date is incorrect, adjust it to a later date.
  
  
  
  Re-enter the Data: After making the necessary adjustments, re-enter the data in the relevant fields and try to save or process the transaction again.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates to use, consult your organization's documentation or guidelines regarding the validity periods for the specific transaction you are working on.
  
  
  Check for Existing Records: If you are modifying an existing record, check if there are any overlapping records that might be causing the conflict.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: This error can occur in various transactions, such as ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME31K (Create Contract), or ME11 (Create Info Record).
  Date Formats: Ensure that the date format you are using is consistent with your SAP system settings (e.g., DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY).
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to the records you are working with.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with a functional consultant who specializes in the relevant module.