How To Fix ITOBFLTCON042 - The primary counter reading must be less than &1 &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ITOBFLTCON - Messages for Consumption Control

• Message number: 042

• Message text: The primary counter reading must be less than &1 &2

What causes this issue?

The counter reading of the primary counter that you entered lies
outside of the tolerance area that you defined in Customizing.

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?

Enter a counter reading that is less than &V1& &V2&.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ITOBFLTCON042 - The primary counter reading must be less than &1 &2 ?

  The SAP error message ITOBFLTCON042, which states "The primary counter reading must be less than &1 &2," typically occurs in the context of counter readings in SAP, particularly when dealing with measuring points or counter management in modules like Plant Maintenance (PM) or Utilities (IS-U).
  Cause:
  This error message indicates that the primary counter reading you are trying to enter is greater than or equal to the maximum allowed value (which is represented by &1 &2 in the error message). This situation can arise due to:
  
  Incorrect Data Entry: The user may have mistakenly entered a reading that is higher than the previous reading.
  System Configuration: There may be issues with how the counter readings are configured in the system.
  Data Integrity Issues: There could be inconsistencies in the data, such as missing or incorrect previous readings.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Verify Previous Readings: Check the previous counter reading to ensure that the new reading you are entering is indeed less than the previous one. The new reading must be a logical progression (i.e., it should be less than the last recorded reading).
  
  
  Correct the Entry: If you find that the reading you entered is incorrect, correct it to a value that is less than the previous reading.
  
  
  Check Configuration: If the readings are consistently causing issues, review the configuration settings for the counter readings in the relevant module (PM or IS-U). Ensure that the settings align with your business processes.
  
  
  Data Consistency Check: Run any necessary data consistency checks or reports to identify and rectify any discrepancies in the counter readings.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on managing counter readings in your version of SAP.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP experts for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes that deal with counter management, such as IW41 (Enter Time Confirmation) or ISU-specific transactions if applicable.
  User Roles: Ensure that the user entering the readings has the appropriate permissions and roles assigned in SAP.
  Training: If users frequently encounter this error, consider providing additional training on how to correctly enter counter readings.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ITOBFLTCON042 error and ensure proper management of counter readings in your SAP system.