How To Fix AY020 - Depreciation start was in closed year. Please check change.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AY - Deprec. simulation - maint. module (AIPS) /gen. master data

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Depreciation start was in closed year. Please check change.

What causes this issue?

The depreciation start date &V2& was entered before &V1&. The new
depreciation start date &V3& is no longer in a closed fiscal year.

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?

Check whether this change is correct.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AY020 - Depreciation start was in closed year. Please check change. ?

  The SAP error message AY020 ("Depreciation start was in closed year. Please check change.") typically occurs when you attempt to post a transaction related to asset accounting (like a change in asset master data or a posting) that involves a depreciation start date that falls within a fiscal year that has already been closed. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when you are trying to change the asset's useful life, acquisition date, or other parameters that affect depreciation.
  Cause:
  
  Closed Fiscal Year: The depreciation start date is set to a fiscal year that has already been closed in the system.
  Incorrect Asset Master Data: The asset master data may have been incorrectly set up with a depreciation start date that is not valid.
  Posting Attempts: You may be trying to post a transaction that requires recalculating depreciation for a closed period.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Depreciation Start Date:
  
  Go to the asset master record (transaction code AS03) and check the depreciation start date. Ensure it is set correctly and does not fall within a closed fiscal year.
  
  
  
  Adjust the Asset Master Data:
  
  If the depreciation start date is incorrect, you may need to change it. However, be cautious as changing the depreciation start date can have implications on financial reporting and may not be allowed if the fiscal year is closed.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction AS02:
  
  If you need to make changes to the asset master data, use transaction AS02 (Change Asset Master Record) to adjust the necessary fields. Ensure that the changes comply with your organization's policies and accounting standards.
  
  
  
  Consult with Finance Team:
  
  If you are unsure about making changes to the asset master data, consult with your finance or accounting team to ensure compliance with accounting principles and to understand the implications of changing the depreciation start date.
  
  
  
  Reopen the Fiscal Year (if necessary):
  
  In some cases, if it is absolutely necessary to make changes that affect closed periods, you may need to reopen the fiscal year. This should be done with caution and typically requires approval from management, as it can affect financial statements.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration Settings:
  
  Review the configuration settings in Asset Accounting (transaction code SPRO) to ensure that the settings for fiscal year closing and depreciation are correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common issues.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for Asset Accounting to understand the implications of changing asset data and the rules governing fiscal year closures.
  Training: If you frequently encounter issues with asset accounting, consider additional training or resources to better understand the processes and configurations involved.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the AY020 error and ensure that your asset accounting processes run smoothly.