How To Fix ME250 - Please enter both comparison periods

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 250

• Message text: Please enter both comparison periods

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME250 - Please enter both comparison periods ?

  The SAP error message ME250, which states "Please enter both comparison periods," typically occurs in the context of purchasing or procurement processes, particularly when you are trying to analyze or compare data over different time periods in reports or transactions.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when the system expects you to provide two distinct periods for comparison, but one or both of the required periods are missing or not properly defined. This can happen in various scenarios, such as:
  
  Missing Input: You have not entered the start and end dates for the comparison period.
  Incorrect Format: The dates entered may not be in the correct format or may not be recognized by the system.
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the report or transaction that requires comparison periods.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the ME250 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Input Fields: Ensure that both comparison periods (start and end dates) are filled in correctly. Make sure you have entered both the "From" and "To" dates.
  
  
  Correct Date Format: Verify that the dates are in the correct format as per your SAP system settings. Typically, the format is YYYY-MM-DD or DD.MM.YYYY, depending on your locale settings.
  
  
  Review Report Settings: If you are running a report, check the report settings to ensure that it is configured to accept comparison periods. Sometimes, certain reports may have specific requirements.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help files related to the specific transaction or report you are using. This can provide insights into the required fields and their formats.
  
  
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to access the data for the specified periods. Lack of authorization can sometimes lead to unexpected errors.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes related to purchasing, such as ME2N (Purchase Orders by PO Number), ME3N (Outline Purchase Agreements), or ME80FN (General Analyses).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  User Forums: SAP Community and other user forums can be helpful resources for finding solutions to common errors and issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ME250 error and successfully enter the required comparison periods.