How To Fix KA391 - Process special periods and normal periods separately

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KA - CO Overhead Costs: Overhead, Accrual Calculation

• Message number: 391

• Message text: Process special periods and normal periods separately

What causes this issue?

Period &V1& is a special period in fiscal year variant &V2& for
controlling area &V3&. The final normal period is period &V4&.

System Response

Processing can only be carried out for normal periods.

How to fix this error?

Check your entries.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KA391 - Process special periods and normal periods separately ?

  The SAP error message KA391, which states "Process special periods and normal periods separately," typically occurs in the context of controlling (CO) when you are trying to post or process transactions that involve both special periods and normal periods in a way that is not allowed by the system.
  Cause:
  This error arises because SAP requires that postings to special periods (which are typically used for year-end closing activities) and normal periods (which are used for regular accounting) be handled separately. The system enforces this separation to maintain the integrity of financial data and ensure that special period transactions do not interfere with normal period transactions.
  Solution:
  To resolve the KA391 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Posting Periods: Ensure that you are not trying to post to both special and normal periods in the same transaction. Review the periods you are working with and confirm that you are only using one type at a time.
  
  
  Separate Transactions: If you need to post to both special and normal periods, you will need to create separate transactions for each. For example, if you are making a journal entry, do one entry for the normal period and another for the special period.
  
  
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings in your SAP system related to posting periods. Ensure that the settings for special periods are correctly defined in the controlling area.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed guidance on handling special periods and normal periods. This can provide insights into best practices and system configurations.
  
  
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to post in the periods you are trying to access. Sometimes, restrictions can lead to errors.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists after following the above steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide more tailored assistance based on your specific configuration and business processes.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Special Periods: In SAP, special periods are typically used for adjustments and closing activities at the end of the fiscal year. They allow for additional postings beyond the standard 12 periods.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as FBS1 (to post a document) and FB50 (to post a general ledger document) to ensure you are using the correct methods for your postings.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message, as they may provide additional context or solutions based on known issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the KA391 error and ensure that your postings are processed correctly in SAP.