How To Fix RETMCA032 - &1: validity period starts after end of term of the contract (&2)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RETMCA - Terms

• Message number: 032

• Message text: &1: validity period starts after end of term of the contract (&2)

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 RETMCA032 - &1: validity period starts after end of term of the contract (&2) ?

  The SAP error message RETMCA032 indicates that there is an issue with the validity period of a contract in the SAP system. Specifically, it means that the validity period you are trying to set starts after the end of the contract term. This can occur in various scenarios, such as when you are trying to create or modify a contract, or when you are working with contract-related data.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the following conditions:
  
  Invalid Date Range: The start date of the validity period you are trying to set is later than the end date of the contract. This means that the system cannot accept the validity period because it does not fall within the active duration of the contract.
  Data Entry Error: There may have been a mistake in entering the dates, leading to an incorrect configuration of the validity period.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Contract Dates: Review the contract details to confirm the start and end dates of the contract. Ensure that the validity period you are trying to set falls within these dates.
  
  
  Adjust Validity Period: If the validity period is indeed set incorrectly, modify the start date to ensure it is on or before the end date of the contract. The validity period should always be within the contract's active term.
  
  
  Review Related Documents: If the validity period is linked to other documents or processes, ensure that those are also correctly configured and do not conflict with the contract's terms.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates or how to adjust them, refer to the SAP documentation or user manuals related to contract management for guidance.
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If the issue persists after checking the dates and making adjustments, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP that pertain to contract management, such as ME31K (Create Contract), ME32K (Change Contract), and ME33K (Display Contract).
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to contract management and error messages for additional insights or patches that may address similar issues.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create or modify contracts in the system, as restrictions may also lead to errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RETMCA032 error and successfully manage the validity periods of your contracts in SAP.