How To Fix GA173 - The start period for cumulative processing must be the first period

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GA - Allocations

• Message number: 173

• Message text: The start period for cumulative processing must be the first period

What causes this issue?

The cumulative processing of cycles can only be carried out usefully as
of the first period of the fiscal year

System Response

The system only carries out the cumulative processing if the initial
period is Period 1.

How to fix this error?

Change the initial period manually or have the system make this change
(in the "Cumulative processing" dialog box).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GA173 - The start period for cumulative processing must be the first period ?

  The SAP error message GA173, which states "The start period for cumulative processing must be the first period," typically occurs in the context of cumulative processing in SAP's Asset Accounting (FI-AA) module. This error indicates that the system expects the cumulative processing to start from the first period of the fiscal year, but the specified start period is not the first period.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Start Period: The start period for cumulative processing has been set to a period that is not the first period of the fiscal year.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the asset accounting that do not align with the expected periods for cumulative processing.
  Data Entry Errors: Users may have inadvertently entered an incorrect period when initiating cumulative processing.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Start Period:
  
  Ensure that the start period for cumulative processing is set to the first period of the fiscal year (e.g., if your fiscal year starts in January, the first period would be 01).
  
  
  
  Adjust the Cumulative Processing Settings:
  
  Go to the relevant transaction (e.g., transaction code ASKB for cumulative processing) and verify the settings. Make sure to select the first period of the fiscal year.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  If you have access to configuration settings, check the settings in the Asset Accounting module to ensure that they are correctly set up for cumulative processing.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help files for detailed guidance on cumulative processing and the requirements for start periods.
  
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Cumulative Processing: This is a process in SAP Asset Accounting that allows for the processing of multiple periods of asset transactions in one go, typically used for year-end closing activities.
  Fiscal Year Variant: Ensure that the fiscal year variant is correctly defined in the system, as this impacts the periods available for processing.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as ASKB (Cumulative Processing) and OAYZ (Define Fiscal Year Variant) for managing asset accounting settings.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the GA173 error and successfully initiate cumulative processing in SAP.