IW431 - Start date is in the past

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IW - Order Processing

• Message number: 431

• Message text: Start date is in the past

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.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message IW431 - Start date is in the past ?

  The SAP error message IW431, which states "Start date is in the past," typically occurs when you are trying to create or change a maintenance order or a related task in SAP, and the start date you have entered is earlier than the current date. This can happen in various transactions related to maintenance management, such as IW31 (Create Order), IW32 (Change Order), or IW33 (Display Order).
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The most common cause is that the user has mistakenly entered a start date that is earlier than the current date.
  System Settings: There may be system settings or configurations that prevent the creation of orders with past start dates.
  Business Rules: Organizational policies may dictate that maintenance orders cannot be scheduled to start in the past.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Date: Verify the start date you have entered. Ensure that it is set to the current date or a future date.
  Adjust the Date: If the start date is indeed in the past, change it to a valid date (today or a future date).
  Review Business Processes: If you believe the order should be allowed to start in the past (for example, if it is a correction for a missed order), consult with your SAP administrator or business process owner to understand if there are any exceptions or adjustments that can be made.
  System Configuration: If necessary, check with your SAP Basis or configuration team to see if there are any settings that can be adjusted to allow for past dates, although this is generally not recommended due to potential impacts on reporting and data integrity.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with the relevant transaction codes (IW31, IW32, IW33) for creating and managing maintenance orders.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create or modify orders in the system.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or user manuals for more detailed information on maintenance order management and date handling.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team for further assistance.