How To Fix FINS_CFIN_GEN016 - &1: time periods &2 and &3 overlap

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FINS_CFIN_GEN - Central Finance - General messages

• Message number: 016

• Message text: &1: time periods &2 and &3 overlap

What causes this issue?

The two time periods overlap. Overlapping time periods are not allowed.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Correct one of the time periods so that there is no more overlap.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FINS_CFIN_GEN016 - &1: time periods &2 and &3 overlap ?

  The SAP error message FINS_CFIN_GEN016 indicates that there is an overlap in time periods in the context of financial data processing, particularly in the Central Finance (CFIN) module. This error typically arises when there are conflicting time periods for financial postings or data transfers, which can lead to inconsistencies in financial reporting and data integrity.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  Two or more financial documents or postings are being processed for the same time period, which is not allowed.
  There may be a configuration issue where the time periods for different financial transactions overlap.
  Data from different source systems may have been incorrectly configured, leading to overlapping periods.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Identify Overlapping Periods:
  
  Check the time periods defined in your financial documents or postings. You can do this by reviewing the relevant transaction data in the source system or the Central Finance system.
  Use transaction codes like FBL1N, FBL3N, or FBL5N to review line items and identify any overlaps.
  
  
  
  Adjust Time Periods:
  
  If you find overlapping periods, adjust the time periods for the conflicting postings. Ensure that each posting has a unique time period that does not overlap with others.
  This may involve changing the posting dates or adjusting the fiscal year variant settings.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  Check the configuration settings in both the source and Central Finance systems to ensure that the fiscal year variants and posting periods are correctly set up.
  Ensure that the periods are defined correctly in the configuration settings (transaction code OB29 for fiscal year variant).
  
  
  
  Data Consistency Check:
  
  Perform a consistency check on the data being transferred to ensure that there are no other underlying issues causing the overlap.
  Use transaction CFIN_CFIN_CHECK to run checks on the Central Finance setup.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to Central Finance for any specific guidelines or known issues regarding time period overlaps.
  
  
  
  Engage Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the error and the steps you have already taken.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as OB29 (for fiscal year variant), CFIN_CFIN_CHECK (for consistency checks), and others that may help in troubleshooting.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to Central Finance and error FINS_CFIN_GEN016 for additional insights or patches that may address the issue.
  Documentation: Review the Central Finance documentation for best practices on managing time periods and financial postings.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the overlapping time period issue that is causing the FINS_CFIN_GEN016 error.