How To Fix FI_E151 - Posting date is earlier than the original commitment/obligation's date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FI_E - Message Class for FM English Developers

• Message number: 151

• Message text: Posting date is earlier than the original commitment/obligation's date

What causes this issue?

You are using the funds management system integrated with the budgetary
ledger (BL). This function is trying to get the current year/prior year
status based on the original commitment/obligation date and the current
posting date.
In order to get this year status, the original commitment/obligation
date must be earlier then the current posting date. However, in this
case the current posting date is earlier than the original
commitment/obligation date.
In this case the original commitment/obligation posting date is '&V1&'
but the current posting date is '&V2&'.
The original commitment/obligation date is derived from the date the
document, such as earmarked funds or purchase order, was posted. The
current posting date is the posting date that was entered for this
current posting.

System Response

The budgetary ledger cannot post this document.

How to fix this error?

Check the current posting date; if error persists, report the error to
the SAP hotline.

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 FI_E151 - Posting date is earlier than the original commitment/obligation's date ?

  The SAP error message FI_E151, which states "Posting date is earlier than the original commitment/obligation's date," typically occurs in the context of financial postings, particularly when dealing with commitments or obligations in the system. This error indicates that the posting date you are trying to use for a transaction is earlier than the date of the original commitment or obligation that has been recorded in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Posting Date Issue: The posting date you are trying to use is set to a date that is earlier than the date of the original commitment or obligation.
  Document Flow: The system enforces rules to maintain the integrity of financial data, ensuring that postings do not retroactively affect prior commitments or obligations.
  Configuration Settings: Certain configuration settings in the SAP system may enforce strict rules regarding posting dates and their relationship to commitments.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Posting Date: Review the posting date you are trying to use. Ensure that it is equal to or later than the date of the original commitment or obligation.
  Adjust Posting Date: If the posting date is incorrect, change it to a valid date that meets the requirement.
  Review Commitments: Check the original commitment or obligation to understand its date and context. You can do this by reviewing the relevant documents or transactions in the system.
  Consult with Finance Team: If you are unsure about the correct posting date or the implications of changing it, consult with your finance or accounting team for guidance.
  System Configuration: If this error occurs frequently and is causing issues, it may be worth reviewing the system configuration settings related to commitments and obligations to see if adjustments are necessary.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like FB50 (General Ledger Account Document Entry) or F-02 (General Posting) to make the necessary adjustments.
  Commitment Management: Understanding how commitments and obligations are managed in SAP can help prevent this error. Familiarize yourself with the relevant processes and documentation.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes or documentation related to this error message for additional insights or updates from SAP.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to postings and commitments in the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the FI_E151 error and successfully complete your financial posting in SAP.