How To Fix IW873 - The final due date must be on or after the start date.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: IW - Order Processing

• Message number: 873

• Message text: The final due date must be on or after the start date.

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 IW873 - The final due date must be on or after the start date. ?

  The SAP error message IW873, which states "The final due date must be on or after the start date," typically occurs in the context of maintenance orders or work orders in the SAP system. This error indicates that there is a date inconsistency in the scheduling of the order, specifically that the final due date (the date by which the work should be completed) is set before the start date (the date when the work is scheduled to begin).
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The most common cause is that the user has entered the final due date earlier than the start date when creating or modifying a maintenance order.
  System Configuration: In some cases, system settings or configurations may enforce rules that lead to this error if the dates are not aligned correctly.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies in date formats or values.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the IW873 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Dates: Review the start date and final due date in the maintenance order. Ensure that the final due date is set to a date that is on or after the start date.
  
  Navigate to the maintenance order in transaction IW32 (Change Order) or IW31 (Create Order).
  Verify the "Start Date" and "Final Due Date" fields.
  
  
  
  Adjust Dates: If the final due date is incorrect, adjust it to a valid date that meets the requirement (i.e., on or after the start date).
  
  If the start date needs to be changed, ensure that it is logically consistent with the project timeline.
  
  
  
  Save Changes: After making the necessary adjustments, save the order. The error should no longer appear if the dates are correctly aligned.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the appropriate dates, consult project documentation or speak with a project manager or planner to ensure that the dates reflect the actual work schedule.
  
  
  Check for Custom Logic: If the issue persists, check if there are any custom validations or enhancements in your SAP system that might be affecting date entries.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as IW31 (Create Order), IW32 (Change Order), and IW33 (Display Order) for managing maintenance orders.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to date handling in maintenance orders.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the importance of date consistency in maintenance planning to prevent similar errors in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the IW873 error and ensure that your maintenance orders are correctly scheduled.