How To Fix GLT1404 - Activating document splitting can lead to inconsistencies

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GLT1 - Split processor: Maintain control tables

• Message number: 404

• Message text: Activating document splitting can lead to inconsistencies

What causes this issue?

In a <ZH>production system</>, activating document splitting
subsequently can cause <ZH>serious inconsistencies</> in document
processing. Note that the changes to the Customizing settings do not
make corresponding adjustments to any transaction data already present
prior to the activation of document splitting.
&DEPENDENCIES&
If you activate document splitting subsequently, document splitting is
only applied <ZH>as of the point in time when the change is made</>. If
there is transaction data either in the current system or in the target
system for the changes to the Customizing settings, the following points
must be considered:
Since there has not been an account assignment projection corresponding
to the defined document splitting characteristics for the documents
posted previously, account assignments cannot be made completely for the
documents already entered in the system. The actual changes to the
Customizing settings do not make corresponding adjustments to any
transaction data already present prior to the activation of document
splitting. Consequently, the follow-on processes for documents that
already exist do not have complete account assignments either.
If the <ZH>check on the required entry fields</> is activated for one or
more of the document splitting characteristics, the subsequent
activation of document splitting can cause error messages to be issued
in follow-on processes involving documents that have already been posted
but contain insufficient account assignments. Document splitting with a
check on the required entry fields may only be activated subsequently as
part of migration.

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

<ZH>Example:</>
The payment run is terminated with an error message because of a failed
check on the required entry fields. The document posted before the
change to the Customizing settings cannot be processed further. The
payment run, the manual payment <ZH>with clearing</>, or the reversal of
such legacy documents cannot be performed.
Processes with incomplete account assignments affect not only FI but
also other applications that make postings. An order with incomplete
account assignments can cause an error message to be issued in a foll
ow-on process in Logistics that is triggered after the check on required
entry fields has been activated. The follow-on process in Logistics
cannot be performed.
If one or more of the document splitting characteristics is marked as
<ZH>balancing</>, it is important to note that, from a technical point
of view, the system previously could not ensure that individual postings
relating to such characteristics balance. By simply activating document
splitting with balancing characteristics, <ZH>it is not possible to
achieve a balance sheet with a zero balance for these characteristics</>
. Here also, we recommend that the subsequent activation of document
splitting is only conducted as part of a migration, so as to enable a
correspondingly assigned opening balance as well as the further
processing of existing documents with cause-related account assignment
projection to follow-on processes.
When document splitting is active, <ZH>cross-company-code postings</>
are only possible if document splitting is active in all of the company
codes involved in the posting. Furthermore, each company code must be
assigned to a company in a one-to-one relationship.
If you subsequently <ZH>deactivate document splitting</>, the
corresponding account assignment projection or check on defined
characteristics are no longer performed only from this point in time.
Note that this change also does not make corresponding adjustments to
any transaction data already present.

System Response

The document splitting characteristics and the rules for document
splitting need to be configured completely before document splitting is
activated and before a company code is used productively. It is
difficult to correct incomplete settings after the productive start.
<ZH>If production data has already been entered in the system, we
recommend not subsequently activating document splitting if possible</>.
However, if the change is required, you need to perform a check on the
data posted previously to ensure that subsequent problems do not occur
in production systems.

How to fix this error?

Check whether the desired changes to the Customizing settings are
essential. Ensure that the changes you make to the Customizing settings
do not have any critical consequences. For detailed information on this
subject, see <ZH>SAP Note 891144</>.
Any transaction data present must also be migrated accordingly. Note
that there are currently restrictions on the availability of
standardized migration tools for converting transaction data that has
already been posted. For detailed and up-to-date information on this
subject, see <ZH>SAP Note 812919.</>

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 GLT1404 - Activating document splitting can lead to inconsistencies ?

  The SAP error message GLT1404 indicates that there are potential inconsistencies that may arise when activating document splitting in the system. Document splitting is a feature in SAP that allows for the automatic splitting of accounting documents into multiple line items based on certain criteria, which is particularly useful for financial reporting and ensuring that financial statements are accurate.
  Cause of GLT1404 Error
  The error message GLT1404 typically occurs due to one or more of the following reasons:
  
  
  Existing Data Inconsistencies: There may be existing accounting documents in the system that do not conform to the requirements of document splitting. This can happen if the documents were posted before document splitting was activated.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: The configuration settings for document splitting may not be properly set up, leading to potential inconsistencies when trying to activate the feature.
  
  
  Missing or Incorrect Splitting Characteristics: If the splitting characteristics (such as profit center, segment, etc.) are not defined correctly, it can lead to inconsistencies.
  
  
  Open Items: There may be open items in accounts that are not compatible with document splitting.
  
  
  Solution to GLT1404 Error
  To resolve the GLT1404 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Existing Documents: Review existing accounting documents to identify any that may not comply with the document splitting requirements. You may need to adjust or re-post these documents.
  
  
  Review Configuration: Go to the configuration settings for document splitting in the SAP system (transaction code SPRO) and ensure that all necessary settings are correctly configured. This includes checking the splitting characteristics and ensuring they align with your business requirements.
  
  
  Run Consistency Checks: Use the transaction code SPLIT_CHECK to run consistency checks on your existing data. This can help identify any inconsistencies that need to be addressed before activating document splitting.
  
  
  Adjust Open Items: If there are open items in accounts that are incompatible with document splitting, you may need to clear or adjust these items.
  
  
  Test in a Development Environment: Before activating document splitting in the production environment, test the configuration in a development or quality assurance environment to ensure that everything works as expected.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or notes related to document splitting for additional guidance and best practices.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as OB37 (for document splitting configuration) and SPLIT_CHECK (for consistency checks).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to document splitting and the GLT1404 error for specific patches or updates that may address known issues.
  Training and Support: Consider training for your finance team on document splitting and its implications, as well as reaching out to SAP support for assistance if needed.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the GLT1404 error and successfully activate document splitting in your SAP system.