How To Fix CJ587 - WBS elements have earlier start date than project definition

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CJ - Project master data and structure

• Message number: 587

• Message text: WBS elements have earlier start date than project definition

What causes this issue?

You entered a start date for the WBS element that is before the start
date in the project definition. Since the start and finish dates in the
project definition are not binding, processing has not been stopped.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CJ587 - WBS elements have earlier start date than project definition ?

  The SAP error message CJ587 indicates that there is a discrepancy between the start dates of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements and the project definition. Specifically, it means that one or more WBS elements have a start date that is earlier than the start date defined for the overall project.
  Cause:
  
  WBS Element Start Date: The start date of one or more WBS elements is set to a date that is earlier than the project definition's start date.
  Project Definition Start Date: The project definition has a defined start date that is later than the start date of the WBS elements.
  Data Entry Error: This could be due to incorrect data entry when creating or modifying the WBS elements or the project definition.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the CJ587 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Project Definition:
  
  Go to the project definition in SAP (transaction code CJ02).
  Verify the start date of the project definition.
  
  
  
  Check WBS Elements:
  
  Use transaction code CJ03 to display the WBS elements.
  Check the start dates of the WBS elements that are causing the error.
  
  
  
  Adjust Dates:
  
  If the WBS elements have an earlier start date than the project definition, you can either:
  
  Change the start date of the WBS elements to be equal to or later than the project definition's start date.
  Change the project definition's start date to be earlier if it is appropriate for your project.
  
  
  
  
  
  Consistency Check:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, perform a consistency check to ensure that all dates are aligned correctly.
  
  
  
  Save Changes:
  
  Once the dates are corrected, save the changes and try to execute the transaction that triggered the error again.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  CJ01: Create WBS Element
  CJ02: Change WBS Element
  CJ03: Display WBS Element
  CJ20N: Project Builder (for managing projects and WBS elements)
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on project management and WBS elements.
  
  
  Best Practices: Always ensure that the project definition and its WBS elements are aligned in terms of dates to avoid such errors. Regularly review project structures and timelines during project planning and execution.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the CJ587 error and ensure that your project structure is correctly defined in SAP.