How To Fix REXCPTPT218 - Start date of period must be before the end date of the period

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: REXCPTPT -

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Start date of period must be before the end date of the period

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 REXCPTPT218 - Start date of period must be before the end date of the period ?

  The SAP error message REXCPTPT218, which states "Start date of period must be before the end date of the period," typically occurs in the context of date range validations in various SAP modules, such as SAP Controlling (CO) or SAP Project System (PS). This error indicates that the start date you have entered for a specific period is not earlier than the end date, which is a logical requirement for any date range.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The most common cause is that the user has mistakenly entered the start date as being later than or equal to the end date.
  Data Entry Errors: Typographical errors or misinterpretation of date formats can lead to incorrect date entries.
  System Configuration: In some cases, the system configuration or settings may not allow certain date ranges, leading to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Date Entries: Review the start and end dates you have entered. Ensure that the start date is indeed before the end date.
  Correct Format: Make sure that the dates are in the correct format as expected by the SAP system (e.g., DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY, depending on your system settings).
  Adjust Dates: If the start date is after the end date, adjust the dates accordingly. For example, if you have entered 01/10/2023 as the start date and 30/09/2023 as the end date, you need to change the start date to a date that is before 30/09/2023.
  Validation: If you are using a program or transaction that allows for date range selection, ensure that the logic used to select these dates is correct and does not inadvertently select an invalid range.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the SAP Help Portal or specific module documentation for more details on date handling and validations.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to correctly enter date ranges in the system to avoid this error in the future.
  Support: If the issue persists after checking the dates, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the REXCPTPT218 error and successfully enter the required date range in SAP.