IW421 - Finish date must be earlier than &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IW - Order Processing

• Message number: 421

• Message text: Finish date must be earlier than &

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IW421 - Finish date must be earlier than & ?

  The SAP error message IW421, which states "Finish date must be earlier than &," typically occurs in the context of work order management within the SAP system, particularly when dealing with maintenance orders or production orders. This error indicates that the finish date you are trying to enter for a task or order is set to a date that is later than the start date or another related date, which is not allowed by the system's logic.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The finish date entered is later than the start date or another date that is being compared against it.
  System Configuration: There may be specific configurations or settings in the SAP system that enforce date constraints.
  Dependencies: The order may have dependencies or relationships with other orders or tasks that dictate the finish date.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Dates: Review the start date and any other relevant dates associated with the order. Ensure that the finish date is set to a date that is earlier than the start date or any other date it is being compared against.
  Adjust Dates: If the finish date is incorrect, adjust it to a valid date that meets the criteria.
  Review Order Dependencies: If the order is linked to other orders, check those orders to ensure that their dates do not conflict with the finish date you are trying to set.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the date constraints, refer to the SAP documentation or consult with your SAP administrator for guidance on the specific configuration in your system.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: This error may occur in various transaction codes related to work order management, such as IW31 (Create Order), IW32 (Change Order), or IW33 (Display Order).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional context on date handling in your version of SAP.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to the order dates, as restrictions may be in place based on user roles.
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.