How To Fix IR026 - The counter reading must be a positive value (or zero)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IR - PM: IMRC - Measurement Readings and Counters

• Message number: 026

• Message text: The counter reading must be a positive value (or zero)

What causes this issue?

You are trying to enter a negative <GL:counter_reading>counter
reading</> for a <GL:counter>counter</> for which a
<GL:counter_overflow_reading>counter overflow reading</> has been
entered.

System Response

INCLUDE 'KEINE-VERARBEITUNG' OBJECT DOKU ID TX LANGUAGE E

How to fix this error?

Enter a positive counter reading that is less than the counter overflow
reading, or enter the counter reading <LB>0</>.
You can only enter a negative counter reading if a counter
overflow reading has <ZH>not</> been entered.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IR026 - The counter reading must be a positive value (or zero) ?

  The SAP error message IR026, which states "The counter reading must be a positive value (or zero)," typically occurs in the context of managing counter readings for equipment or functional locations in SAP PM (Plant Maintenance) or similar modules. This error indicates that the system expects a counter reading to be either a positive number or zero, but the value provided does not meet this requirement.
  Cause:
  
  Negative Value Input: The most common cause of this error is that a negative value has been entered for the counter reading.
  Incorrect Data Entry: Users may inadvertently enter invalid data, such as letters or special characters, instead of a numeric value.
  System Configuration: There may be configuration settings in the system that enforce certain rules regarding counter readings.
  Data Type Mismatch: The field may be expecting a specific data type (e.g., integer) and receiving a different type (e.g., string).
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input Value: Ensure that the counter reading being entered is a positive integer or zero. If a negative value is being entered, correct it to a valid positive number or zero.
  Data Validation: Implement input validation to prevent users from entering invalid data. This can be done through user training or by using input masks in the user interface.
  Review Configuration: If the issue persists, review the configuration settings related to counter readings in SAP to ensure they are set up correctly.
  Debugging: If you are a developer or have access to technical support, you may want to debug the transaction to see if there are any underlying issues causing the error.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for additional context on the specific transaction or process you are working with.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: This error may occur in various transactions related to equipment maintenance, such as IW41 (Enter PM Order), IW44 (Change PM Order), or others where counter readings are involved.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance on handling counter readings.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the correct procedures for entering counter readings to minimize errors.
  Support: If the issue cannot be resolved through the above steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP experts for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.