How To Fix BE035 - Retention period is less than the minimum prescribed by SAP

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BE - General document entry

• Message number: 035

• Message text: Retention period is less than the minimum prescribed by SAP

What causes this issue?

SAP recommends a minimum 3-month retention period because the deletion
indicator cannot be reversed once set. This prevents premature
document deletion.

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 the retention period you have entered.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BE035 - Retention period is less than the minimum prescribed by SAP ?

  The SAP error message BE035 indicates that the retention period set for a particular document or data object is shorter than the minimum retention period prescribed by SAP. This error typically arises in the context of document management, archiving, or data retention policies within the SAP system.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of the BE035 error is that the retention period defined for a document or data object does not meet the minimum requirements set by SAP. This can happen due to:
  
  Incorrect Configuration: The retention period may have been configured incorrectly in the system settings.
  Policy Changes: Changes in legal or compliance requirements may have updated the minimum retention periods, and the system settings have not been adjusted accordingly.
  User Input Error: A user may have inadvertently entered a retention period that is too short when creating or modifying a document.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the BE035 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Minimum Retention Period: Review the minimum retention period defined in your SAP system. This can usually be found in the configuration settings for document management or archiving.
  
  
  Adjust Retention Period: Modify the retention period for the affected document or data object to meet or exceed the minimum requirement. This can typically be done in the document properties or settings.
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings: If the error persists, check the configuration settings for retention periods in the relevant SAP module (e.g., SAP ArchiveLink, Document Management System). Ensure that the settings align with legal and compliance requirements.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on retention periods and compliance requirements relevant to your industry.
  
  
  Involve IT or SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider involving your IT department or SAP support for further assistance. They may have access to additional tools or insights to help troubleshoot the problem.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide updates on retention period policies.
  Legal Compliance: Be aware of the legal requirements for data retention in your industry, as these may influence the minimum retention periods set in SAP.
  Training and Documentation: Ensure that users are trained on the importance of setting appropriate retention periods and the implications of the BE035 error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BE035 error and ensure compliance with SAP's retention period requirements.