How To Fix ME252 - Comparison periods overlap (please check)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 252

• Message text: Comparison periods overlap (please check)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME252 - Comparison periods overlap (please check) ?

  The SAP error message ME252 "Comparison periods overlap (please check)" typically occurs in the context of purchasing or procurement processes, particularly when dealing with the creation or modification of purchasing documents such as purchase orders or contracts. This error indicates that the validity periods of the purchasing documents being compared or referenced overlap in a way that is not allowed by the system's configuration.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following scenarios:
  
  Overlapping Validity Periods: The validity periods of two or more purchasing documents (like contracts or scheduling agreements) overlap. For example, if you have a contract valid from January 1 to December 31, and you try to create another contract valid from June 1 to November 30, the system will flag this as an error.
  Incorrect Date Entries: The dates entered for the validity periods may be incorrect or not aligned with the expected format.
  Configuration Settings: The system settings or configuration for the purchasing documents may not allow overlapping periods, which is a common business rule in procurement processes.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the ME252 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Validity Periods: Review the validity periods of the purchasing documents involved. Ensure that there are no overlaps. You can do this by:
  
  Navigating to the relevant purchasing documents in SAP.
  Checking the start and end dates of each document.
  
  
  
  Adjust Dates: If you find overlapping periods, adjust the dates of the documents so that they do not overlap. This may involve:
  
  Extending the end date of one document.
  Shortening the validity period of another document.
  
  
  
  Review Document Types: Ensure that the document types you are working with are configured correctly in the system. Sometimes, specific document types may have restrictions on overlapping periods.
  
  
  Consult with Your SAP Administrator: If you are unsure about the configuration settings or how to adjust the documents, consult with your SAP administrator or a colleague with expertise in SAP procurement processes.
  
  
  Testing: After making adjustments, try to recreate or modify the purchasing document to see if the error persists.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may use transaction codes like ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), or ME31K (Create Contract) to access the relevant documents.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes or documentation that may provide additional insights or updates related to this error.
  User Documentation: Refer to SAP user manuals or training materials for guidance on managing purchasing documents and understanding validity periods.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the ME252 error and implement a solution to resolve it.