How To Fix PFM_PAP_MESSAGES073 - Error approving PAP. Approval date is earlier than creation date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PFM_PAP_MESSAGES - PAP Message Class

• Message number: 073

• Message text: Error approving PAP. Approval date is earlier than creation date

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PFM_PAP_MESSAGES073 - Error approving PAP. Approval date is earlier than creation date ?

  The SAP error message PFM_PAP_MESSAGES073 indicates that there is an issue with the approval date of a Purchase Approval Process (PAP) document. Specifically, the error states that the approval date is earlier than the creation date of the document. This situation typically arises when the system detects a logical inconsistency in the dates provided during the approval process.
  Cause:
  
  Date Entry Error: The user may have inadvertently entered an incorrect approval date that precedes the creation date of the document.
  System Configuration: There may be a misconfiguration in the system that allows for incorrect date entries.
  Data Migration Issues: If data was migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies in the date formats or values.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Dates: Verify the creation date and the approval date of the PAP document. Ensure that the approval date is set to a date that is equal to or later than the creation date.
  Correct the Approval Date: If the approval date is incorrect, update it to a valid date that meets the criteria.
  Review User Input: Educate users on the importance of entering correct dates during the approval process to prevent similar errors in the future.
  System Configuration Review: If the issue persists, review the system configuration settings related to date handling in the PAP process to ensure they are set correctly.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for any specific guidelines related to the PAP process and date handling.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that users have the appropriate roles and permissions to approve PAP documents, as this can sometimes affect the ability to enter or modify dates.
  Testing: If changes are made to the system configuration or user training, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the issue is resolved and does not recur.
  
  If the problem continues after following these steps, it may be necessary to involve your SAP support team or consult with SAP directly for further assistance.