How To Fix BP199 - A period for &1 / &2 is already defined

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BP - Budgeting and planning

• Message number: 199

• Message text: A period for &1 / &2 is already defined

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BP199 - A period for &1 / &2 is already defined ?

  The SAP error message BP199 ("A period for &1 / &2 is already defined") typically occurs in the context of Business Partner (BP) data management, particularly when you are trying to create or modify a business partner's data and there is a conflict with existing data periods.
  Cause:
  This error indicates that there is already a defined validity period for the business partner data you are trying to enter or modify. The placeholders &1 and &2 usually represent the business partner number and the specific data type (like address, role, etc.) that you are trying to change. The error arises when the system detects that the period you are trying to set overlaps with an existing period.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Validity Periods:
  
  Navigate to the Business Partner transaction (e.g., BP) and check the existing validity periods for the business partner in question. Look for the specific data type that is causing the conflict.
  
  
  
  Modify the Period:
  
  If you need to change the validity period, you may need to adjust the existing period to avoid overlap. This could involve changing the start or end date of the existing data.
  
  
  
  Delete or Archive Old Data:
  
  If the existing data is no longer needed, consider deleting or archiving it to free up the period for new entries.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on managing business partner data and validity periods.
  
  
  
  Check for Custom Logic:
  
  If your organization has custom logic or enhancements in place, ensure that they are not causing the issue. Consult with your SAP technical team if necessary.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  Use transaction codes like BP to access the Business Partner data and check the relevant details.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as BP (Business Partner), SE11 (Data Dictionary), and SE80 (Object Navigator) for further investigation.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to modify business partner data, as restrictions can sometimes lead to unexpected errors.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or reach out to SAP support for further assistance.