How To Fix /SAPAPO/CTM1720 - The time period entered overlaps with an existing time period

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/CTM1 -

• Message number: 720

• Message text: The time period entered overlaps with an existing time period

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SAPAPO/CTM1720 - The time period entered overlaps with an existing time period ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/CTM1720 indicates that there is a conflict with the time periods defined in the system, specifically in the context of the SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) module. This error typically occurs when you are trying to create or modify a time period (such as a planning cycle, production order, or similar) that overlaps with an existing time period already defined in the system.
  Cause:
  
  
  Overlapping Time Periods: The most common cause of this error is that the time period you are trying to enter overlaps with another time period that is already defined in the system. This could be due to:
  
  Incorrectly defined planning cycles.
  Overlapping production orders or planned orders.
  Conflicting time slots in the planning book.
  
  
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the planning area or the time series data that lead to this conflict.
  
  
  Data Entry Errors: Mistakes in data entry, such as incorrect start and end dates, can also lead to this error.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Time Periods: Review the existing time periods in the system to identify any overlaps. You can do this by:
  
  Navigating to the relevant planning book or transaction where the time periods are defined.
  Checking the time period settings to see if there are any conflicts.
  
  
  
  Adjust Time Periods: If you find that the time period you are trying to enter overlaps with an existing one, you will need to:
  
  Modify the start and end dates of the new time period to ensure there is no overlap.
  Alternatively, you may need to adjust or delete the existing time period if it is no longer needed.
  
  
  
  Review Configuration: If the issue persists, review the configuration settings for the planning area and ensure that they are set up correctly. This may involve checking:
  
  The planning cycle definitions.
  The time series settings.
  Any relevant master data that may affect time periods.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on managing time periods in your version of SAP APO.
  
  
  Seek Help from SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance. They can provide more detailed insights based on your specific system configuration and data.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes in SAP APO, such as /SAPAPO/CTM for the Capable-to-Match (CTM) planning process.
  Planning Books: Understand how planning books and data views are structured in SAP APO, as they play a crucial role in defining time periods.
  Master Data: Ensure that your master data (like product, location, and resource data) is correctly maintained, as this can impact planning and scheduling.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the /SAPAPO/CTM1720 error message.