How To Fix RECN057 - First contract end date of previous contract is before its start date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RECN - Messages - Contract

• Message number: 057

• Message text: First contract end date of previous contract is before its start date

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RECN057 - First contract end date of previous contract is before its start date ?

  The SAP error message RECN057 indicates that there is a discrepancy in the contract dates within the system. Specifically, it means that the end date of a previous contract is set before its start date, which is logically incorrect and prevents the system from processing the contracts correctly.
  Cause:
  
  Data Entry Error: The most common cause is a manual data entry error where the end date of a contract was incorrectly entered before the start date.
  System Migration Issues: If contracts were migrated from another system, there may have been issues with the data transfer that resulted in incorrect date entries.
  Contract Modifications: Changes made to contracts (like extensions or renewals) may not have been properly updated, leading to inconsistencies in the date fields.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Contract Dates: Check the contract in question and verify the start and end dates. Ensure that the end date is after the start date.
  Correct the Dates: If you find that the end date is indeed before the start date, correct it to reflect the proper chronological order.
  Check Related Contracts: If the contract is part of a series or related contracts, ensure that all related contracts have consistent and correct date entries.
  Data Validation: Implement data validation checks in the system to prevent such errors from occurring in the future.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates, consult the relevant documentation or stakeholders involved in the contract creation process.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like ME33K (Display Contract) or ME31K (Create Contract) to view or edit contract details.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address known issues or provide additional guidance on handling contract date discrepancies.
  User Roles: Ensure that users who are responsible for entering contract data have the necessary training and access to avoid such errors.
  Testing: After making corrections, test the contract processing to ensure that the error does not reoccur.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RECN057 error and ensure that your contract data is accurate and consistent.