How To Fix PRP040 - Finish must be after start

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PRP - Project Resource Planning: General Messages

• Message number: 040

• Message text: Finish must be after start

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 PRP040 - Finish must be after start ?

  The SAP error message PRP040 ("Finish must be after start") typically occurs in the context of project management or production planning when there is a scheduling conflict in the dates assigned to a task or activity. This error indicates that the finish date of a task is set to be earlier than its start date, which is logically incorrect.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The finish date has been entered incorrectly, either manually or through a system import.
  Dependencies: There may be dependencies between tasks that have not been properly defined, leading to scheduling conflicts.
  System Configuration: In some cases, the system configuration or settings may not allow for certain date combinations.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies in date formats or values.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Dates: Review the start and finish dates of the task or activity in question. Ensure that the finish date is set to a date that is after the start date.
  Adjust Dependencies: If the task is dependent on other tasks, ensure that the dependencies are correctly defined and that the finish date of the predecessor task allows for the current task to start on time.
  Validation: Use the validation tools in SAP to check for any other scheduling conflicts or issues that may be causing the error.
  Re-enter Dates: If the dates were entered incorrectly, re-enter them with the correct values.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on scheduling and date management within the module you are using (e.g., Project System, Production Planning).
  Contact Support: If the issue persists and you cannot identify the cause, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Modules: This error can occur in various SAP modules, including Project System (PS), Production Planning (PP), and others that involve scheduling and task management.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes (e.g., CJ20N for project management) to navigate to the task or project in question.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to modify task dates and dependencies in the system.
  Training: Consider training sessions or resources on project management within SAP to better understand how to manage tasks and schedules effectively.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the error and following the suggested solutions, you should be able to resolve the PRP040 error and ensure that your project scheduling is accurate.