How To Fix IM542 - Planned start of the task is the same as the planned end

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IM - Maintenance notifications

• Message number: 542

• Message text: Planned start of the task is the same as the planned end

What causes this issue?

You have only entered a planned end for the task.

System Response

The system sets the planned start of the task the same as the planned
end.

How to fix this error?

Check the dates.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IM542 - Planned start of the task is the same as the planned end ?

  The SAP error message IM542 ("Planned start of the task is the same as the planned end") typically occurs in the context of project management or maintenance planning within SAP. This error indicates that there is a scheduling conflict where the planned start date and the planned end date of a task or activity are identical, which is not valid as it implies that the task has no duration.
  Cause:
  
  Identical Dates: The most common cause is that the user has inadvertently set the planned start date and planned end date to the same value, which means the task has no time allocated for execution.
  Data Entry Error: This can happen due to a simple data entry mistake where the dates are not properly differentiated.
  System Configuration: In some cases, it could be related to how the system is configured to handle task durations and scheduling.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the IM542 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Dates: Review the planned start and end dates for the task in question. Ensure that the planned end date is later than the planned start date.
  
  
  Adjust Dates: Modify the planned end date to be after the planned start date. For example, if the planned start date is set to January 1, 2023, the planned end date should be set to at least January 2, 2023, or later.
  
  
  Review Task Duration: If the task is meant to be completed in a single day, ensure that the end date reflects the end of that day or the start of the next day, depending on how your organization defines task durations.
  
  
  Validate Changes: After making the necessary adjustments, save the changes and check if the error persists.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates or task durations, refer to your organization's project management guidelines or consult with a project manager.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Modules: This error is commonly encountered in modules such as SAP Project System (PS) or SAP Plant Maintenance (PM).
  User Roles: Ensure that users entering or modifying task dates have the appropriate permissions and training to avoid such errors.
  System Settings: Check if there are any specific settings in your SAP configuration that dictate how tasks and their durations should be handled.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or refer to SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error message.