How To Fix MA786 - A technical period can only contain a maximum of 1 posting period

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MA - Sales and Operations Planning

• Message number: 786

• Message text: A technical period can only contain a maximum of 1 posting period

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MA786 - A technical period can only contain a maximum of 1 posting period ?

  The SAP error message MA786, which states "A technical period can only contain a maximum of 1 posting period," typically occurs in the context of Material Management (MM) or Financial Accounting (FI) when there is an inconsistency in the configuration of posting periods and technical periods in the system.
  Cause:
  This error arises when the system detects that a technical period (which is used for controlling and reporting purposes) is configured to overlap with more than one posting period. In SAP, a technical period is a time frame that can be used for reporting, while a posting period is the time frame during which transactions can be posted to the system. The system enforces a rule that each technical period can only correspond to one posting period to maintain data integrity and consistency.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for the posting periods and technical periods in your SAP system. This can typically be found in the following path:
  
  SPRO > Financial Accounting > Financial Accounting Global Settings > Document > Document Periods > Define Posting Periods
  
  
  Ensure that the technical periods are correctly defined and do not overlap with multiple posting periods.
  
  
  
  Adjust Period Settings:
  
  If you find that a technical period is incorrectly set to span multiple posting periods, you will need to adjust the settings so that each technical period corresponds to only one posting period.
  
  
  
  Review Period Closing:
  
  Check if the posting periods are closed or if there are any open periods that might be causing the overlap. If necessary, close any periods that should not be open.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP Basis or FI consultant for specific guidance on how to configure periods correctly.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary adjustments, perform a test transaction to ensure that the error no longer occurs.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  You may use transaction codes like OB52 to manage posting periods and OB29 to manage technical periods.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP Notes can provide additional insights or solutions that may be specific to your version of SAP.
  
  
  
  User Roles:
  
  Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to make changes to the configuration settings.
  
  
  
  Backup:
  
  Always ensure that you have a backup of your configuration settings before making changes, especially in a production environment.
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MA786 error and ensure that your posting and technical periods are correctly configured in SAP.