How To Fix MA178 - When specifying forecast finish, also specify forecast start

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MA - Sales and Operations Planning

• Message number: 178

• Message text: When specifying forecast finish, also specify forecast start

What causes this issue?

You have specified when the forecast is to finish but not when the
forecast is to start.

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?

Either specify when the forecast is to start, or delete the forecast
finish date and instead enter the number of forecast periods.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MA178 - When specifying forecast finish, also specify forecast start ?

  The SAP error message MA178 indicates that when you are trying to specify a forecast finish date, you also need to provide a forecast start date. This error typically occurs in the context of materials management and forecasting within SAP, particularly when dealing with demand planning or material requirements planning (MRP).
  Cause:
  The error arises because the system requires both a start and finish date to properly calculate and manage the forecast. The forecast start date indicates when the forecast period begins, while the finish date indicates when it ends. If only one of these dates is provided, the system cannot process the request correctly, leading to the error message.
  Solution:
  To resolve the MA178 error, you need to ensure that both the forecast start and forecast finish dates are specified in your input. Here are the steps to do this:
  
  
  Access the Forecasting Transaction: Go to the relevant transaction in SAP where you are entering the forecast data (e.g., transaction code MD61 for creating forecasts).
  
  
  Enter Forecast Start Date: In the appropriate field, enter the forecast start date. This is the date from which you want the forecast to begin.
  
  
  Enter Forecast Finish Date: In the corresponding field, enter the forecast finish date. This is the date at which you want the forecast to end.
  
  
  Save Your Changes: After entering both dates, save your changes and try to execute the transaction again.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Common transaction codes related to forecasting include MD61 (Create Forecast), MD62 (Change Forecast), and MD63 (Display Forecast).
  Forecasting Methods: Familiarize yourself with the different forecasting methods available in SAP, as they may have specific requirements for date inputs.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on forecasting and planning processes, as well as best practices for entering forecast data.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create or modify forecasts in the system, as this can sometimes lead to errors if not properly configured.
  
  By following these steps and ensuring that both the forecast start and finish dates are provided, you should be able to resolve the MA178 error and proceed with your forecasting tasks in SAP.