How To Fix RETMPE400 - Starting date of cash flow is before the contract start date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RETMPE - Clauses for Validity Period

• Message number: 400

• Message text: Starting date of cash flow is before the contract start 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 RETMPE400 - Starting date of cash flow is before the contract start date ?

  The SAP error message RETMPE400 indicates that there is a discrepancy between the starting date of a cash flow and the contract start date. This error typically arises in the context of contract management or financial transactions where cash flows are expected to align with the contract's validity period.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  The cash flow's starting date is set to a date that is earlier than the contract's start date. 
  This can happen due to data entry errors, incorrect configuration, or issues with the contract's validity settings.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the RETMPE400 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Contract Dates:
  
  Verify the start date of the contract in the relevant SAP transaction (e.g., using transaction codes like CJ20N for project management or ME33K for contract management).
  Ensure that the contract start date is correctly set and reflects the intended period.
  
  
  
  Review Cash Flow Dates:
  
  Check the cash flow entries associated with the contract. Ensure that the starting date of the cash flow is not set before the contract start date.
  If necessary, adjust the cash flow starting date to align with the contract start date.
  
  
  
  Data Entry Validation:
  
  Ensure that users entering cash flow data are aware of the contract's start date to prevent future discrepancies.
  Implement validation checks in the data entry process to alert users if they attempt to enter a cash flow date that precedes the contract start date.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation or help files related to contract management and cash flow processing for additional guidance on date settings and configurations.
  
  
  
  System Configuration:
  
  If the issue persists, consult with your SAP system administrator or technical team to check for any configuration settings that might be causing the error.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as CJ20N (Project Management), ME33K (Display Contract), or RECN (Contract Management) to navigate and check contract details.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP Notes can provide insights into specific bugs or enhancements that may affect cash flow processing.
  User Training: Consider providing training for users involved in contract and cash flow management to minimize data entry errors and improve understanding of the system's requirements.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RETMPE400 error and ensure that cash flows are correctly aligned with contract dates.