How To Fix ME601 - Please specify validity

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 601

• Message text: Please specify validity

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME601 - Please specify validity ?

  The SAP error message ME601 ("Please specify validity") typically occurs in the context of creating or maintaining purchasing documents, such as purchase orders or contracts. This error indicates that the system requires a validity period to be specified for the purchasing document, but it has not been provided.
  Cause:
  The error is usually caused by one of the following reasons:
  
  Missing Validity Dates: The validity start and end dates for the purchasing document are not filled in.
  Incorrect Document Type: The document type being used may require validity dates, but they are not being provided.
  Configuration Issues: The configuration settings for the purchasing document type may not be set up correctly to handle validity periods.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the ME601 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Specify Validity Dates:
  
  When creating or editing the purchasing document, ensure that you fill in the validity start and end dates. This is usually found in the "Validity" section of the document.
  
  
  
  Check Document Type:
  
  Verify that the document type you are using is appropriate for the transaction you are trying to perform. Some document types may require validity periods, while others may not.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration:
  
  If you have the necessary authorizations, check the configuration settings for the purchasing document type in the SAP Customizing Implementation Guide (IMG). Navigate to:
  
  Materials Management > Purchasing > Purchase Order > Define Document Types.
  
  
  Ensure that the settings for validity periods are correctly configured.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to the specific purchasing document type you are working with to understand the requirements for validity dates.
  
  
  
  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: You may encounter this error while using transaction codes like ME21N (Create Purchase Order), ME22N (Change Purchase Order), or ME31K (Create Contract).
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the appropriate user roles and permissions to create or modify purchasing documents.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ME601 error and successfully specify the validity for your purchasing documents in SAP.