How To Fix PB140 - Enter a valid sort order: RANK, PHASE or PURPOSE

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PB - PD: Message IDs Org. Management

• Message number: 140

• Message text: Enter a valid sort order: RANK, PHASE or PURPOSE

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 PB140 - Enter a valid sort order: RANK, PHASE or PURPOSE ?

  The SAP error message PB140, which states "Enter a valid sort order: RANK, PHASE or PURPOSE," typically occurs in the context of SAP Project System (PS) or similar modules where sorting criteria are required for displaying or processing data.
  Cause:
  This error arises when the user attempts to execute a function or transaction that requires a specific sort order, but the input provided does not match the expected values. The valid sort orders in this case are:
  
  RANK: Sorts based on the rank of the items.
  PHASE: Sorts based on the project phases.
  PURPOSE: Sorts based on the purpose of the items.
  
  If the user inputs a sort order that is not one of these three options, the system will trigger this error message.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Input: Ensure that you are entering one of the valid sort orders: RANK, PHASE, or PURPOSE. Double-check for any typos or incorrect casing, as the input may be case-sensitive.
  
  
  Review Documentation: If you are unsure about the context in which you are entering the sort order, refer to the relevant SAP documentation or help files for guidance on the expected input.
  
  
  Consult with Colleagues: If you are part of a team, ask colleagues who may have experience with the specific transaction or report you are working on. They may provide insights into the correct usage.
  
  
  SAP Notes and Support: If the issue persists and you believe you are entering the correct values, check SAP Notes for any known issues related to this error. You can also reach out to your SAP support team for assistance.
  
  
  Testing: If you have access to a test environment, try replicating the issue there with different inputs to see if the error persists.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes related to project management, such as CJ20N (Project Builder) or others where sorting criteria are applicable.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform the action you are attempting, as sometimes restrictions can lead to unexpected errors.
  SAP Community: Consider searching or posting in the SAP Community forums for additional insights from other users who may have encountered the same issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PB140 error and proceed with your work in SAP.