How To Fix QST066 - The cycle start cannot precede the earliest storage date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QST - Stability Study

• Message number: 066

• Message text: The cycle start cannot precede the earliest storage date

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.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message QST066 - The cycle start cannot precede the earliest storage date ?

  The SAP error message QST066, which states "The cycle start cannot precede the earliest storage date," typically occurs in the context of Quality Management (QM) when dealing with inspection plans and inspection lots. This error indicates that the start date of a quality inspection cycle is set earlier than the earliest storage date defined for the material or batch in question.
  Cause:
  
  Earliest Storage Date: The earliest storage date is the date from which the material is considered available for inspection. If the cycle start date is set before this date, the system will throw this error.
  Incorrect Configuration: The inspection plan or the material master may have incorrect or inconsistent date settings.
  Batch Management: If batch management is enabled, the batch may have specific storage dates that restrict when inspections can start.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Earliest Storage Date:
  
  Go to the material master record (transaction code MM03) and check the "Basic Data" or "Quality Management" views to find the earliest storage date.
  Ensure that the cycle start date in your inspection plan is set to a date that is on or after this earliest storage date.
  
  
  
  Adjust the Cycle Start Date:
  
  If the cycle start date is incorrectly set, adjust it to a valid date that complies with the earliest storage date.
  
  
  
  Review Inspection Plan:
  
  Check the inspection plan associated with the material to ensure that all dates are correctly configured.
  If necessary, modify the inspection plan to align with the material's storage dates.
  
  
  
  Batch Information:
  
  If you are using batch management, check the batch details to ensure that the batch's storage dates are correctly set and that they align with your inspection cycle.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help resources for further details on managing inspection cycles and storage dates.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  MM03: Display Material Master
  QP01: Create Inspection Plan
  QP02: Change Inspection Plan
  QP03: Display Inspection Plan
  
  
  
  Quality Management Configuration: Ensure that your QM module is properly configured, including settings for inspection types, inspection plans, and storage conditions.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues or bugs related to this error message.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the QST066 error and ensure that your inspection cycles are correctly aligned with the material's storage dates.