How To Fix ME385 - Caution: you have entered different expiration dates

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 385

• Message text: Caution: you have entered different expiration dates

What causes this issue?

You have entered different supplier declaration expiration dates for
different preference zones.
&USE&
As a rule, suppliers always specify <ZH>one</> expiration date per
material for all customs areas.
If you enter several dates, the supplier may receive several different
urging letters for each material as part of the expediting procedure.
With large volumes of data, this can make it difficult to retain an
overview and is likely to impair general handling.

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?

Check whether different expiration dates are necessary.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME385 - Caution: you have entered different expiration dates ?

  The SAP error message ME385, which states "Caution: you have entered different expiration dates," typically occurs in the context of materials management, particularly when dealing with batch management in purchasing or inventory management processes. This message indicates that there are discrepancies in the expiration dates of batches being processed.
  Cause:
  
  
  Different Expiration Dates: The primary cause of this error is that the system has detected that the batches or items being processed have different expiration dates. This can happen when:
  
  Multiple batches with different expiration dates are being combined in a single transaction (e.g., during goods receipt or inventory transfer).
  The user is trying to create a purchase order or goods receipt for materials that have different expiration dates.
  
  
  
  Batch Management Settings: The configuration of batch management in the system may require that all batches in a transaction have the same expiration date.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Batch Details: Review the batches involved in the transaction. Ensure that all batches have the same expiration date if the process requires it. You can do this by:
  
  Navigating to the batch management screen and checking the details of each batch.
  Ensuring that the expiration dates are consistent across all batches.
  
  
  
  Separate Transactions: If the batches have different expiration dates and it is acceptable to process them separately, consider splitting the transaction into multiple parts, each handling batches with the same expiration date.
  
  
  Adjust Expiration Dates: If appropriate, you may need to adjust the expiration dates of the batches to align them. This should be done with caution and in accordance with your organization's policies.
  
  
  Configuration Review: If this error occurs frequently and is causing issues in your processes, it may be worth reviewing the batch management configuration in SAP to see if adjustments are needed to better accommodate your business processes.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Batch Management: Understanding how batch management works in SAP is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the concepts of batch numbers, expiration dates, and how they are managed within the system.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on batch management and handling expiration dates.
  User Training: Ensure that users involved in inventory management and purchasing are trained on how to handle batches and expiration dates properly to minimize errors.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a technical consultant for further assistance.