How To Fix F4186 - The entries <&1 to &2> and <&3 to &4> overlap

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: F4 - Line items/balances/configuration

• Message number: 186

• Message text: The entries <&1 to &2> and <&3 to &4> overlap

What causes this issue?

The entries <(><<)>&V1& to &V2&> and <(><<)>&V3& to &V4&> overlap. The
related clearing accounts cannot be uniquely defined.

System Response

Saving is canceled.

How to fix this error?

Change at least one of the entries so that there is no more overlap.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message F4186 - The entries <&1 to &2> and <&3 to &4> overlap ?

  The SAP error message F4186, which states "The entries <&1 to &2> and <&3 to &4> overlap," typically occurs in the context of financial document entries, particularly when dealing with date ranges or periods in financial transactions. This error indicates that there are overlapping entries in the specified ranges, which can lead to inconsistencies in financial reporting or processing.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following scenarios:
  
  Overlapping Date Ranges: Two or more entries have been created that cover the same date range. For example, if one entry is valid from January 1 to January 10, and another entry is valid from January 5 to January 15, this will trigger the error.
  Incorrect Data Entry: Manual data entry errors where the user inadvertently creates overlapping periods.
  Configuration Issues: In some cases, the configuration of the financial module may allow for overlapping entries, which can lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the F4186 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Identify Overlapping Entries:
  
  Review the entries specified in the error message (the ranges indicated by <&1 to &2> and <&3 to &4>).
  Check the relevant tables or transaction codes (like FB50, F-02, etc.) to find the entries that are causing the overlap.
  
  
  
  Adjust Date Ranges:
  
  Modify the date ranges of the entries to ensure that they do not overlap. This may involve changing the start or end dates of one or both entries.
  
  
  
  Delete or Archive Entries:
  
  If the overlapping entries are no longer needed, consider deleting or archiving them to eliminate the conflict.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on managing financial entries and avoiding overlaps.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  If the issue persists, check the configuration settings in the financial module to ensure that they are set up correctly to prevent overlapping entries.
  
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support:
  
  If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP team for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as FB50 (Enter G/L Account Document), F-02 (Post Document), and others that may be involved in the financial entry process.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to error F4186 for additional insights or patches that may address the issue.
  User Training: Ensure that users involved in financial data entry are trained on best practices to avoid creating overlapping entries.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the F4186 error in SAP.