How To Fix KO217 - The lowest status is less than that of the previous status

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: KO - Master data for CO orders

• Message number: 217

• Message text: The lowest status is less than that of the previous status

What causes this issue?

The value in the field "Lowest status" for the current status is less
than the corresponding value of the preceding status.

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?

You must enter the lowest status values in ascending order. Enter a
value greater than or equal to the value in the field "Lowest status"
for the preceding status.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message KO217 - The lowest status is less than that of the previous status ?

  The SAP error message KO217, which states "The lowest status is less than that of the previous status," typically occurs in the context of controlling (CO) and production order management. This error indicates that there is an inconsistency in the status of a production order or a related object, where the system is trying to set a status that is lower than the current status.
  Cause:
  
  Status Management: In SAP, production orders and other objects have a defined status management system. Each status has a hierarchy, and certain statuses cannot be downgraded. For example, if an order is confirmed, it cannot be set back to a status that indicates it has not been started.
  Incorrect Manual Changes: Users may attempt to manually change the status of an order to a lower status without following the proper sequence.
  System Configuration: There may be configuration settings in the system that enforce certain status transitions that are not being adhered to.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Current Status: Review the current status of the production order or object in question. You can do this by navigating to the order in the SAP GUI and checking the status overview.
  Status Transition: Ensure that any status changes you are trying to make are valid according to the status hierarchy. You may need to follow the correct sequence of status changes.
  Use Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like CO02 (Change Production Order) or CO03 (Display Production Order) to check and change the status appropriately.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for the specific status management rules applicable to your version of SAP.
  Authorization Check: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to change the status of the order.
  Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with SAP support for further assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Status Hierarchy: Familiarize yourself with the status hierarchy for production orders in your specific SAP environment. This can often be found in the configuration settings or documentation.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the correct procedures for changing order statuses to avoid this error in the future.
  System Logs: Check system logs for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the KO217 error and ensure that status changes are made correctly in your SAP system.