How To Fix RM322 - Posting in previous period can cause negative ref. qty in current period

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RM - Messages for Repetitive Manufacturing

• Message number: 322

• Message text: Posting in previous period can cause negative ref. qty in current period

What causes this issue?

In the current period, you added new
<DS:GLOS.3526C41CAFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>reporting points</> in the
<DS:GLOS.3528EE4BEB4D21BCE10000009B38F984>routing</> and are now
carring out a
<DS:GLOS.3526C41DAFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>reporting point backflush</>
for the previous period. This reporting point backflush can result in a
negative reference quantity at one of the newly added reporting points
in the current period.

System Response

You must differentiate between the following two cases:
In the current period, in the routing, you either added a reporting
point or converted an operation (not previously a reporting point) into
a reporting point. Then the reporting point structure was adjusted by a
new cost estimate in the current period. Then, for the previuos period,
you carry out a reporting point backflush for the reporting point
which, in the current period, lies directly after the new reporting
point. When posting in the previous period, the system also updates the
reporting point quantities in the current period. This may cause the
reporting point quantity
(<DS:GLOS.365616E60ECF688FE10000009B38F985>reference quantity</>) at the
newly added reporting point to become negative in the current period.
The system uses a repetitve manufacturing profile with automatic goods
receipt at the last reporting point. In the current period, you add
another reporting point after the last reporting point in the routing.
Then the reporting point structure was adjusted by a new cost estimate
in the current period. Then, for the previous period, you post a
reporting point backflush at the last reporting point with automatic
goods receipt. Updating the quantities in the current period causes a
negative reporting point quantity (reference quantity) at the newly
created reporting point.

How to fix this error?

In the first case, you can get rid of the negative reporting point
quantity at the newly created reporting point by backflushing an
appropriate quantity at the reporting point in question in the current
period. If you do not want to post costs in this backflush, you can
temporarily switch off the activity posting indicator in the
<DS:GLOS.3526C4C2AFAB52B9E10000009B38F974>repetitive manufacturing
profile</> of the corresponding material (parameter <LS>Activities</>=
'no activities posted') and you can switch off the goods receipt
posting (parameter <LS>GR and GI</> = 'only GR'). Alternatively, in the
material master record of the material in question, in the MRP view,
specify a repetitive manufacturing profile with the above settings
temporarily. Please note that changes to the repetitive manufacturing
profile affects all reporting points for materials with this repetitive
manufacturing profile. You can find the above-mentioned parameters in
the control data on the repetitive manufacturing profile in Customizing
for Repetive Manufacturing.
In the second case, to get rid of the negative reporting point quantity
at the newly added reporting point, you first have to temporarily
switch off the automatic goods receipt at the last reporting point
(parameter - <LS>Autom. GR</> = 'no automatic goods receipt when
backflushing at the last reporting point') in the repetitive
manufacturing profile. Then, in the current period, backflush an
appropriate quantity at the reporting point in question. The comments
above concerning the changes to the repetitive manufacturing profile in
the first case are also valid here.
Once you carry out the reporting point backflush to correct the
negative reporting point quantity at the new reporting point, reverse
any changes you made to the repetitive manufacturing profile or
re-enter the repetitive manufacturing profile previously used in the
material master record.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RM322 - Posting in previous period can cause negative ref. qty in current period ?

  The SAP error message RM322, which states "Posting in previous period can cause negative ref. qty in current period," typically occurs during inventory or material document postings. This error indicates that a transaction you are trying to post in a previous period would result in a negative reference quantity in the current period, which is not allowed in SAP.
  Cause:
  
  
  Inventory Management: The error often arises when there are postings that would affect the stock levels in a way that would lead to negative stock quantities. For example, if you are trying to post a goods movement (like a goods issue) in a previous period, and the stock levels in the current period are already low or zero, this can lead to a negative quantity.
  
  
  Period Closing: If the previous period has been closed, any attempt to post transactions that affect stock levels can trigger this error, especially if the stock levels in the current period are not sufficient to accommodate the postings.
  
  
  Reference Quantity: The reference quantity mentioned in the error refers to the stock levels that are being referenced in the current period. If the posting in the previous period would lead to a situation where the current stock becomes negative, SAP will prevent this action.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Stock Levels: Before making any postings, check the stock levels for the material in question. Ensure that there is enough stock available to accommodate the postings you are trying to make.
  
  
  Adjust Postings: If possible, adjust the postings to ensure that they do not lead to negative stock levels. This may involve reversing or adjusting previous transactions.
  
  
  Open the Previous Period: If the posting is necessary and cannot be adjusted, consider temporarily reopening the previous period to allow the posting. However, this should be done with caution and in accordance with your organization's policies.
  
  
  Consult with Finance/Inventory Management: Work with your finance or inventory management team to understand the implications of the postings and to find a suitable resolution.
  
  
  Use Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like MB1A, MB1B, or MB1C to check and manage material documents and postings.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its system, and there may be specific notes addressing this issue.
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to inventory management and material postings to understand the rules and constraints around stock levels and period postings.
  
  
  Training: Ensure that users involved in inventory management are trained on the implications of posting in different periods and the importance of maintaining accurate stock levels.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the RM322 error and ensure that your inventory postings are processed correctly.