How To Fix RETMPE402 - The 1st contract end is before the contract start date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RETMPE - Clauses for Validity Period

• Message number: 402

• Message text: The 1st contract end 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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RETMPE402 - The 1st contract end is before the contract start date ?

  The SAP error message RETMPE402 indicates that there is a mismatch between the start and end dates of a contract. Specifically, it means that the end date of the first contract is set before its start date, which is logically incorrect and prevents the system from processing the contract.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The most common cause is that the user has mistakenly entered the end date of the contract before the start date.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may have been errors in the date formats or values.
  Contract Modifications: If the contract has been modified, the changes may have resulted in an invalid date range.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Contract Dates: Review the contract details in the SAP system. Ensure that the start date is earlier than the end date. If the dates are incorrect, update them accordingly.
  Correct Data Entry: If the error was due to incorrect data entry, re-enter the correct dates.
  Review Contract History: If the contract has been modified, check the history of changes to identify when the dates were altered and correct them.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the correct dates, refer to the relevant documentation or consult with the contract owner or relevant stakeholders.
  Test Changes: After making corrections, test the contract processing again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes such as ME31K (Create Contract) or ME32K (Change Contract) to access and modify contract details.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to contract data in the SAP system.
  Training and Documentation: If this error occurs frequently, consider providing training for users on how to correctly enter contract dates and manage contract data.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RETMPE402 error and ensure that your contract dates are correctly configured in the SAP system.