How To Fix IM471 - Malfunction end &1 &2 h is before malfunction start

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IM - Maintenance notifications

• Message number: 471

• Message text: Malfunction end &1 &2 h is before malfunction start

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IM471 - Malfunction end &1 &2 h is before malfunction start ?

  The SAP error message IM471 ("Malfunction end &1 &2 h is before malfunction start") typically occurs in the context of maintenance management, particularly when dealing with malfunction reports or notifications in the SAP PM (Plant Maintenance) module. This error indicates that the end time of a malfunction is set to a time that is earlier than the start time, which is logically incorrect.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by one of the following scenarios:
  
  Incorrect Time Entry: The user has entered the end time of the malfunction incorrectly, making it earlier than the start time.
  Data Entry Error: There may have been a mistake during data entry, such as a typographical error in the time fields.
  System Configuration Issues: In some cases, there may be issues with the system configuration or user authorizations that lead to incorrect time handling.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the IM471 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Time Entries:
  
  Go to the malfunction report or notification where the error occurred.
  Verify the start and end times of the malfunction. Ensure that the end time is indeed later than the start time.
  
  
  
  Correct the Data:
  
  If you find that the end time is incorrect, update it to a valid time that is after the start time.
  Save the changes and check if the error persists.
  
  
  
  Review User Input:
  
  Ensure that users are trained on how to correctly enter time data in the system to avoid similar errors in the future.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  If the issue is not resolved, consult SAP documentation or help resources for further guidance on handling malfunction reports.
  
  
  
  Check for System Issues:
  
  If the problem continues, it may be necessary to check for any system configuration issues or bugs. In such cases, contacting your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert may be necessary.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP PM Module: Understanding the functionalities of the Plant Maintenance module can help in better managing maintenance notifications and malfunction reports.
  User Training: Providing training for users on how to properly enter and manage maintenance data can help reduce the occurrence of such errors.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues related to this error message.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the IM471 error and ensure that your malfunction reports are correctly processed in SAP.