How To Fix P2042 - The absence type cannot be changed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: P2 - Messages for HR Time Management

• Message number: 042

• Message text: The absence type cannot be changed

What causes this issue?

You want to overwrite an existing absence type. This absence
reduces a quota, however. In order to guarantee consistency
in the System, you are not authorized to do this.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message P2042 - The absence type cannot be changed ?

  The SAP error message P2042, "The absence type cannot be changed," typically occurs in the context of managing employee absences in the SAP Human Capital Management (HCM) module. This error indicates that there is an attempt to change the absence type of an existing absence record, which is not allowed under certain conditions.
  Causes of Error P2042
  
  
  Absence Type Restrictions: Certain absence types may have restrictions that prevent them from being changed once they are recorded. For example, statutory absences or those linked to specific payroll calculations may be locked.
  
  
  Status of the Absence Record: If the absence record has already been processed (e.g., payroll has been run), changing the absence type may not be permitted.
  
  
  Configuration Settings: The system configuration may restrict changes to absence types based on business rules or settings defined in the absence management configuration.
  
  
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary permissions to change the absence type.
  
  
  Solutions to Error P2042
  
  
  Check Absence Type: Review the absence type you are trying to change. Ensure that it is not one that is restricted from being modified.
  
  
  Review Absence Status: Check if the absence record has been processed. If it has, you may need to reverse or delete the existing absence record before creating a new one with the desired absence type.
  
  
  Consult Configuration: If you have access to the configuration settings, review the absence management settings to see if there are any rules that prevent changing the absence type.
  
  
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to absence records. If not, contact your system administrator to obtain the required access.
  
  
  Create a New Absence Record: If changing the absence type is not possible, consider creating a new absence record with the correct absence type and deleting the old one if necessary.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines related to absence management and the handling of absence types.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to error P2042. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions to common problems.
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) and PT50 (Time Evaluation) to manage absence records effectively.
  
  
  Training and Support: If you are frequently encountering this error, consider additional training on SAP HCM or consult with your organization's SAP support team for further assistance.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the P2042 error effectively.