How To Fix DFS_FE_COMMON396 - Operation end date (&1) is before the start date (&2).

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DFS_FE_COMMON - Message Class for DFS Force Element

• Message number: 396

• Message text: Operation end date (&1) is before the start date (&2).

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DFS_FE_COMMON396 - Operation end date (&1) is before the start date (&2). ?

  The SAP error message DFS_FE_COMMON396 indicates that there is a discrepancy between the operation end date and the operation start date in a process or transaction. Specifically, the error states that the operation end date (&1) is before the start date (&2), which is logically incorrect.
  Cause:
  This error typically arises in scenarios where:
  
  Data Entry Error: The user may have mistakenly entered the end date before the start date when creating or modifying an operation.
  System Configuration: There may be issues with the configuration of the system that affect how dates are processed or validated.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies in date formats or values.
  Business Logic: The business rules defined in the system may not allow for an end date to precede a start date.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Dates: Review the operation details and ensure that the end date is set correctly after the start date. Correct any discrepancies.
  
  
  Data Validation: Implement validation checks in the data entry process to prevent users from entering an end date that is earlier than the start date.
  
  
  Review Configuration: If the issue persists, check the configuration settings related to date handling in the relevant module (e.g., Production Planning, Project System) to ensure they are set up correctly.
  
  
  Data Migration Review: If this error occurred after a data migration, review the migration scripts or processes to ensure that date values were transferred correctly.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines related to the module you are working with.
  
  
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal IT team for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context of the error, you may be working in various transaction codes such as CO02 (Change Production Order), CJ20N (Project Builder), or others.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the importance of entering dates correctly to avoid this error in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to prevent it from occurring again.