How To Fix M3161 - Date values must be in ascending order

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M3 - Material Master

• Message number: 161

• Message text: Date values must be in ascending order

What causes this issue?

You have not entered date values in ascending order.

System Response

The system can only process the dates in ascending order.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Example:,,01.06.93,,15.07.93,,20.08.93

How to fix this error?

Change the values accordingly.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M3161 - Date values must be in ascending order ?

  The SAP error message M3161, which states "Date values must be in ascending order," typically occurs in scenarios where date fields are expected to be in a sequential order but are not. This can happen in various contexts, such as when entering data for production orders, scheduling, or planning activities.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when the system detects that the date values provided do not follow a chronological order. For example, if you are entering a start date that is later than an end date, or if you have multiple date entries that are not sorted from the earliest to the latest, the system will raise this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve the M3161 error, you should:
  
  
  Check Date Entries: Review the date fields you have entered. Ensure that all date values are in ascending order. For example, if you have a start date and an end date, the start date should be earlier than the end date.
  
  
  Correct the Order: If you find any dates that are out of order, adjust them accordingly. Make sure that any series of dates (like delivery dates, production dates, etc.) are listed from the earliest to the latest.
  
  
  Validate Data Input: If you are using a data upload or interface, ensure that the data being fed into the system is correctly formatted and sorted before submission.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the specific fields or the expected order, refer to the relevant SAP documentation or user guides for the transaction you are working with.
  
  
  Test Changes: After making the necessary corrections, try to save or process the data again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error can occur in various transaction codes depending on the context (e.g., production planning, material management).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to make changes to the data you are working with, as sometimes restrictions can lead to confusion in data entry.
  Training: If this error is common in your organization, consider providing training or resources to users to help them understand the importance of date order in SAP processes.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the M3161 error and ensure that your date values are correctly ordered.