How To Fix RTCMMD138 - Valid From date is earlier than "Valid From" date of parent node &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RTCMMD - Article Hierarchy

• Message number: 138

• Message text: Valid From date is earlier than "Valid From" date of parent node &

What causes this issue?

The validity period of the assignment you want to change has to lie
within the validity period of the parent node assignment.

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 RTCMMD138 - Valid From date is earlier than "Valid From" date of parent node & ?

  The SAP error message RTCMMD138 indicates that there is a conflict with the "Valid From" date of a node in a hierarchy, specifically that the "Valid From" date of the child node is earlier than that of its parent node. This typically occurs in the context of master data management, such as when dealing with material master records, business partners, or other hierarchical data structures.
  Cause:
  
  Date Conflict: The child node's "Valid From" date is set to a date that is earlier than the "Valid From" date of its parent node. This creates a logical inconsistency because the child cannot be valid before the parent.
  Data Entry Error: This error often arises from manual data entry mistakes where the dates are not aligned correctly.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, the dates may not have been properly adjusted to reflect the hierarchy.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Dates: Review the "Valid From" dates of both the parent and child nodes. Ensure that the child's "Valid From" date is set to a date that is equal to or later than the parent's "Valid From" date.
  Adjust Dates: If the child's date is incorrect, update it to a valid date that aligns with the parent node's date.
  Data Validation: Implement validation checks in your data entry processes to prevent this error from occurring in the future.
  Review Hierarchy: If the hierarchy structure has changed, ensure that all nodes are updated accordingly to reflect the correct relationships and dates.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like MM01 (Create Material), MM02 (Change Material), or BP (Business Partner) depending on the context of the error.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for guidelines on managing master data and understanding the implications of date fields in hierarchical structures.
  Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  By addressing the date conflict and ensuring proper data management practices, you can resolve the RTCMMD138 error and prevent it from occurring in the future.