How To Fix OE216 - End of validity period must be 'greater or equal to' (later than) start

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: OE - IS-Oil: ITA/TPI messages

• Message number: 216

• Message text: End of validity period must be 'greater or equal to' (later than) start

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message OE216 - End of validity period must be 'greater or equal to' (later than) start ?

  The SAP error message OE216 indicates that there is an issue with the validity period of a certain object, such as a condition record, pricing record, or other time-sensitive data. Specifically, the error states that the end of the validity period must be greater than or equal to the start of the validity period. This means that the end date cannot be earlier than the start date.
  Cause:
  The error typically occurs in the following scenarios:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: When entering the start and end dates for a validity period, the end date is mistakenly set to a date that is earlier than the start date.
  Data Migration Issues: If data is being migrated from another system or uploaded in bulk, there may be inconsistencies in the date formats or values.
  Manual Entry Errors: Users may inadvertently enter the dates in the wrong order or format.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the OE216 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Dates: Review the start and end dates for the validity period in the relevant transaction or configuration screen. Ensure that the end date is set to a date that is equal to or later than the start date.
  
  
  Correct the Entry: If you find that the end date is earlier than the start date, correct it by entering a valid end date that meets the requirement.
  
  
  Validation: After making the changes, validate the entries to ensure that the error does not reoccur. This may involve saving the record and checking for any additional error messages.
  
  
  Data Migration Review: If the error arises during data migration, review the data source to ensure that the dates are correctly formatted and that there are no logical errors in the data.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates to enter, consult the relevant SAP documentation or guidelines for the specific module you are working with.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may be using transaction codes like VK11 (Create Condition), VK12 (Change Condition), or others related to pricing and conditions.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to the validity periods in the system.
  Testing: After resolving the issue, conduct tests to ensure that the changes have been applied correctly and that the system behaves as expected.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the OE216 error and ensure that your validity periods are correctly configured in SAP.