How To Fix /PF1/MSG_BCE_ARCHIVE021 - Enter a valid period unit for the residence time

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /PF1/MSG_BCE_ARCHIVE -

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Enter a valid period unit for the residence time

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /PF1/MSG_BCE_ARCHIVE021 - Enter a valid period unit for the residence time ?

  The SAP error message /PF1/MSG_BCE_ARCHIVE021 indicates that there is an issue with the period unit specified for the residence time in the archiving process. This error typically arises when the system expects a valid period unit (like days, months, or years) but receives an invalid or empty value instead.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Input: The user may have entered an invalid period unit or left the field blank.
  Configuration Issues: The configuration settings for the archiving object may not be set up correctly, leading to the system not recognizing the specified period unit.
  Data Type Mismatch: The system may be expecting a specific format or type for the period unit, and the provided input does not match this expectation.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Input: Ensure that the period unit for the residence time is correctly specified. Valid options typically include:
  
  Days (D)
  Months (M)
  Years (Y)
  
  Make sure that the input is not empty and is one of the accepted values.
  
  
  Review Configuration: 
  
  Go to the archiving object configuration in transaction code SARA or SARI.
  Check the settings for the residence time and ensure that the period unit is correctly defined.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for the specific archiving object you are working with to understand the expected values and formats.
  
  
  Testing: After making changes, test the archiving process again to see if the error persists.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant notes or updates regarding this error message. There may be patches or updates that address this issue.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Archiving in SAP: Archiving is a process used to remove data from the database to improve performance and manage data growth. Each archiving object has specific settings that dictate how data is archived.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes like SARA (Archive Administration) and SARI (Archive Information System) for managing archiving processes.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  If the problem persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis or technical support team for further assistance.