How To Fix MA820 - Invalid period (contains characters other than 0-9)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MA - Sales and Operations Planning

• Message number: 820

• Message text: Invalid period (contains characters other than 0-9)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MA820 - Invalid period (contains characters other than 0-9) ?

  The SAP error message MA820, which states "Invalid period (contains characters other than 0-9)," typically occurs when a user attempts to enter a period in a transaction or report that is not formatted correctly. This error indicates that the input for the period field contains invalid characters, such as letters or special symbols, instead of the expected numeric format.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Input: The most common cause is that the user has entered a period value that includes non-numeric characters (e.g., letters, spaces, or special characters).
  Formatting Issues: Sometimes, the input might be copied from another source (like a spreadsheet) that includes hidden characters or formatting that SAP does not recognize.
  User Error: Users may mistakenly enter the wrong period format, such as entering a month as "Jan" instead of "01".
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input: Ensure that the period is entered as a numeric value. For example, if you are entering a month, it should be in the format of MM (e.g., "01" for January, "02" for February).
  Remove Non-Numeric Characters: If you have copied the value from another source, paste it into a plain text editor first to strip any formatting, then copy it back into SAP.
  Use Correct Format: Make sure you are using the correct format for the period as required by the specific transaction or report you are working with. This may vary depending on the context (e.g., fiscal year, month).
  Validation: If the system allows, validate the input before submitting to catch any errors early.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the SAP Help Portal or specific module documentation for guidelines on the expected input formats for periods.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the correct data entry formats to minimize errors.
  Transaction Codes: If this error occurs in a specific transaction, check if there are any known issues or patches related to that transaction code.
  Support: If the issue persists after checking the input, consider reaching out to your SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MA820 error and successfully enter the required period in SAP.