How To Fix KG401 - Forecast period must be contained within planning period

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KG - CO-PA Planning

• Message number: 401

• Message text: Forecast period must be contained within planning period

What causes this issue?

The forecast period must fall within the planning period &V1& to &V2&.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KG401 - Forecast period must be contained within planning period ?

  The SAP error message KG401, which states "Forecast period must be contained within planning period," typically occurs in the context of planning and forecasting in SAP, particularly when using the SAP Controlling (CO) module or SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP). This error indicates that the forecast period you are trying to use does not fall within the defined planning period.
  Cause:
  
  Mismatch in Dates: The forecast period you are trying to enter or use is outside the range of the defined planning period. For example, if your planning period is set from January to December, and you try to enter a forecast for the following January, you will encounter this error.
  Incorrect Configuration: The planning period may not be correctly configured in the system, leading to discrepancies between the forecast and planning periods.
  Data Entry Error: There may be a simple mistake in the dates entered for the forecast period.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Planning Period: Verify the defined planning period in your SAP system. Ensure that the forecast period you are trying to use falls within this range.
  
  Navigate to the relevant configuration settings in SAP to check the planning period.
  You can usually find this in the controlling area settings or the planning layout settings.
  
  
  
  Adjust Forecast Dates: If the forecast period is indeed outside the planning period, adjust the forecast dates to ensure they fall within the defined planning period.
  
  
  Modify Planning Period: If necessary, and if it aligns with your business processes, consider extending the planning period to include the desired forecast period.
  
  This may require administrative access and should be done in consultation with your planning team.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration Settings: If the issue persists, review the configuration settings related to planning and forecasting in your SAP system. Ensure that all settings are correctly aligned with your business requirements.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on managing planning and forecasting periods.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as KP06 (Cost Center Planning) or KP26 (Activity Type Planning) that may be involved in the planning process.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the appropriate user roles and permissions to make changes to planning periods and forecasts.
  Training: Consider training sessions for users involved in planning and forecasting to minimize errors related to period mismatches.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the KG401 error and ensure that your forecast periods align correctly with your planning periods in SAP.