How To Fix RTCMMD136 - The end date cannot be earlier than today's date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RTCMMD - Article Hierarchy

• Message number: 136

• Message text: The end date cannot be earlier than today's date

What causes this issue?

You can only change the validity period of valid or future assignments.
You cannot set an end date earlier than the current date.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

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 RTCMMD136 - The end date cannot be earlier than today's date ?

  The SAP error message RTCMMD136, which states "The end date cannot be earlier than today's date," typically occurs in scenarios where a date field is being validated against the current date. This error is common in various SAP modules, particularly in areas related to project management, resource planning, or any functionality that involves date ranges.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when a user attempts to enter an end date that is earlier than the current date. This is often a validation rule to ensure that future dates are used for planning or scheduling purposes. The system does not allow for end dates that are in the past, as this would not make logical sense in most business processes.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should:
  
  
  Check the End Date: Review the end date you are trying to enter. Ensure that it is set to a date that is today or in the future.
  
  
  Update the Date: If the end date is indeed in the past, update it to a valid date that meets the criteria (i.e., today or a future date).
  
  
  Review Business Logic: If you believe that the end date should be allowed to be in the past for your specific business case, you may need to review the business logic or configuration settings in SAP. This may involve:
  
  Consulting with your SAP administrator or functional consultant.
  Checking if there are any custom validations or enhancements that might be enforcing this rule.
  
  
  
  Testing: After making the necessary changes, test the transaction again to ensure that the error no longer appears.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message. Sometimes, SAP provides patches or updates that can resolve specific issues.
  Documentation: Review the relevant SAP documentation for the module you are working in to understand the date validation rules better.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the importance of entering valid date ranges to avoid this error in the future.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to engage with SAP support for further assistance.