How To Fix MH031 - The "valid from" sales date must precede the "valid to" date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MH - Maintain Material Master Data (Retail)

• Message number: 031

• Message text: The "valid from" sales date must precede the "valid to" date

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MH031 - The "valid from" sales date must precede the "valid to" date ?

  The SAP error message MH031, which states "The 'valid from' sales date must precede the 'valid to' date," typically occurs when there is an issue with the date range specified for a sales document, pricing condition, or similar data entry in the SAP system. This error indicates that the "valid from" date is set to a date that is equal to or later than the "valid to" date, which is not allowed.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The most common cause is that the user has entered the "valid from" date as the same date or a later date than the "valid to" date.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies in the date formats or values.
  System Configuration: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that enforce strict date validation rules.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Date Entries: Review the entries for the "valid from" and "valid to" dates in the relevant transaction. Ensure that the "valid from" date is earlier than the "valid to" date.
  Correct the Dates: If the dates are incorrect, update them accordingly. For example, if the "valid from" date is set to 01/10/2023 and the "valid to" date is set to 01/10/2023, change the "valid to" date to 02/10/2023 or later.
  Validation: After making changes, validate the entries to ensure that the error does not reoccur.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates to enter, consult the relevant documentation or guidelines for your specific business process.
  System Configuration: If the issue persists and you suspect it may be due to system configuration, consult with your SAP Basis or configuration team to review the settings related to date validations.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transactions, such as creating or updating sales orders, pricing conditions, or material master records.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the importance of correct date entry and the implications of date ranges in SAP transactions.
  Testing: If changes are made to the system or processes, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the error does not occur in other scenarios.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MH031 error and ensure that your date entries are valid within the SAP system.