How To Fix IM517 - Activity start is before desired notification start

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IM - Maintenance notifications

• Message number: 517

• Message text: Activity start is before desired notification start

What causes this issue?

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

System Response

The system informs you of any discrepancies between the planned start
dates for the activity and the notificatopm, because it makes sense for
the start of the activity to fall after or at the same time as the start
of the notification. The system continues processing, even if you keep
the date entries as they are now.

How to fix this error?

Check whether you do want to change the planned start date of the
activity or the notification and overtype the date if necessary.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IM517 - Activity start is before desired notification start ?

  The SAP error message IM517 ("Activity start is before desired notification start") typically occurs in the context of maintenance management, particularly when dealing with notifications and work orders in the SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) module. This error indicates that there is a conflict between the scheduled start time of an activity and the desired start time of the associated notification.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  The start date and time of the activity (e.g., a maintenance task) is set to a time that is earlier than the desired start time specified in the notification.
  This can happen due to incorrect data entry, scheduling conflicts, or misalignment between the notification and the planned activities.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the IM517 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Notification Dates:
  
  Review the notification associated with the activity. Ensure that the desired start date and time are correctly set and reflect the intended schedule.
  
  
  
  Adjust Activity Start Time:
  
  Modify the start time of the activity to be equal to or later than the desired start time of the notification. This can be done in the work order or activity management screen.
  
  
  
  Re-evaluate Scheduling:
  
  If the activity is part of a larger maintenance plan or schedule, ensure that the overall scheduling aligns with the notification's desired start time.
  
  
  
  Consult with Stakeholders:
  
  If there are dependencies or constraints affecting the scheduling, consult with relevant stakeholders (e.g., maintenance planners, production managers) to align the schedules.
  
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes:
  
  Use transaction codes like IW31 (Create Order), IW32 (Change Order), or IW33 (Display Order) to access and modify the relevant work orders and notifications.
  
  
  
  Check for Customizations:
  
  If your organization has custom developments or enhancements in SAP, check if any custom logic is affecting the scheduling and causing this error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP Help Portal for detailed documentation on the Plant Maintenance module, which may provide insights into managing notifications and work orders effectively.
  Training: Consider training sessions for users involved in maintenance planning to minimize data entry errors and improve scheduling practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the IM517 error and ensure that your maintenance activities are scheduled correctly in SAP.