How To Fix CJ551 - Enter dates in the project definition first

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CJ - Project master data and structure

• Message number: 551

• Message text: Enter dates in the project definition first

What causes this issue?

You have not entered any start or finish dates in the project
definition. Therefore you do not have a time frame to work with for
planning dates of the individual WBS elements.
You can plan at the individual WBS element level without having had
entered start and finish dates in the project definition,
However, you should make sure you are not outside of the time frame
that project management has set.

System Response

INCLUDE 'NA_ALLG_VERARBEITUNG' OBJECT DOKU ID TX

How to fix this error?

INCLUDE 'NA_ALLG_MOEGLICH' OBJECT DOKU ID TX
Enter the start and finish dates in the project definition.
<ZH>or</>
Change the start and finish dates from time scheduling. Select the menu
options <LS>Goto -> Master data -> Project definition</> .

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CJ551 - Enter dates in the project definition first ?

  The SAP error message CJ551 ("Enter dates in the project definition first") typically occurs when you are trying to perform an action related to a project in SAP Project System (PS) without having defined the start and finish dates for the project definition. This is a common issue when working with project management in SAP.
  Cause:
  The error arises because the system requires that the project definition (which is the overarching structure for a project) has defined start and end dates before you can proceed with further actions, such as creating or modifying project elements (like WBS elements, networks, etc.). If these dates are not set, the system cannot determine the timeline for the project, leading to this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve the CJ551 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Access the Project Definition:
  
  Go to the transaction code CJ02 (Change Project) or CJ01 (Create Project) in SAP.
  
  
  
  Enter the Project Definition:
  
  Input the project definition number for the project you are working on.
  
  
  
  Set the Dates:
  
  Navigate to the Basic Data tab or the relevant section where you can enter the project dates.
  Enter the Start Date and Finish Date for the project. Ensure that the dates are valid and make sense in the context of your project timeline.
  
  
  
  Save Changes:
  
  After entering the dates, save your changes.
  
  
  
  Retry the Action:
  
  Go back to the action you were trying to perform that resulted in the error and try again.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Project Definition: In SAP PS, a project definition is a high-level structure that contains all the relevant information about a project, including its objectives, scope, and timeline.
  WBS Elements: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements are used to break down the project into manageable parts. They are linked to the project definition and require the project definition to have valid dates.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CJ01: Create Project
  CJ02: Change Project
  CJ03: Display Project
  
  
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to change project definitions and that you are following your organization's project management protocols.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CJ551 error and continue with your project management tasks in SAP.