How To Fix ME588 - Agreement date in the past

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 588

• Message text: Agreement date in the past

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME588 - Agreement date in the past ?

  The SAP error message ME588, which states "Agreement date in the past," typically occurs when you are trying to create or modify a purchasing document (like a purchase order or contract) that references a date that is earlier than the current date. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when you are working with contracts, scheduling agreements, or other procurement-related documents.
  Cause:
  
  Past Date: The most common cause is that the date specified in the agreement (e.g., validity date, delivery date) is set to a date that has already passed.
  System Date: The system date on the SAP server may be set incorrectly, leading to confusion about what constitutes a "past" date.
  Data Entry Error: A user may have inadvertently entered an incorrect date while creating or modifying the document.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Dates: Review the dates in the purchasing document. Ensure that all relevant dates (e.g., start date, end date, delivery date) are set to the current date or a future date.
  Correct the Date: If you find that the date is indeed in the past, update it to a valid future date.
  System Date Verification: If you suspect that the system date is incorrect, contact your SAP Basis team to verify and correct the server date if necessary.
  Review Document Type: Ensure that the document type you are using allows for the dates you are trying to enter. Some document types may have specific date constraints.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates to use, refer to your organization's procurement policies or consult with a colleague or supervisor.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may encounter this error while using transaction codes like ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME31K (Create Contract), or ME38 (Change Scheduling Agreement).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to create or modify the purchasing documents.
  Training: If this error occurs frequently, consider additional training on the procurement processes within SAP to avoid future issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ME588 error and proceed with your purchasing activities in SAP.