How To Fix GU273 - Overlapping periods -> correct period display not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GU - FI-SL utilities

• Message number: 273

• Message text: Overlapping periods -> correct period display not possible

What causes this issue?

During the check of the fiscal year variants of the base ledger and
comparison ledger, the system determined that the period limits do not
match.
Period 1 of the base ledger could, for example, fall in periods 1 and 2
of the comparison ledger.
A proper period comparison is thus not possible.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GU273 - Overlapping periods -> correct period display not possible ?

  The SAP error message GU273, which states "Overlapping periods -> correct period display not possible," typically occurs in the context of financial or controlling modules when there are overlapping time periods defined in the system. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when you are trying to execute a report, perform a transaction, or analyze data that requires a clear and distinct time frame.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following reasons:
  
  Overlapping Fiscal Periods: There are multiple fiscal periods defined in the system that overlap with each other. This can happen if the configuration of fiscal year variants is incorrect or if periods have been defined incorrectly in the controlling area.
  Incorrect Period Settings: The settings for periods in the relevant modules (like Financial Accounting or Controlling) may not be aligned, leading to overlaps.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual entries or adjustments in period settings may have inadvertently created overlaps.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the GU273 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Fiscal Year Variant:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for the fiscal year variant (Transaction code: OB29).
  Ensure that the periods defined do not overlap. Each period should have a distinct start and end date.
  
  
  
  Review Period Settings:
  
  Check the period settings in the relevant modules (e.g., controlling area settings in Transaction code: OKEQ).
  Ensure that the periods are correctly defined and do not overlap.
  
  
  
  Adjust Periods:
  
  If you find overlapping periods, adjust the start and end dates of the periods to eliminate overlaps.
  Make sure to save your changes and check if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to fiscal year variants and period settings for additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Test in a Development Environment:
  
  If possible, replicate the issue in a development or test environment to ensure that your changes resolve the issue without affecting production data.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after checking the configurations, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as OB29 (Fiscal Year Variant), OKEQ (Controlling Area), and others that may help in reviewing and adjusting period settings.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message, as they may provide specific fixes or patches.
  User Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and correct the cause of the GU273 error, allowing for proper period display in your SAP system.