How To Fix /SAPAPO/MAT179 - Specify a number of periods

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/MAT -

• Message number: 179

• Message text: Specify a number of periods

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 /SAPAPO/MAT179 - Specify a number of periods ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/MAT179 Specify a number of periods typically occurs in the context of SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) when a user is trying to perform a planning operation that requires a specification of a time period, but that information has not been provided.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when:
  
  A user attempts to execute a planning function (like a forecast, planning run, or similar) without specifying the number of periods for which the planning should be executed.
  The input screen or selection criteria for the planning function does not have the required field filled in, leading to the system not knowing how many periods to consider for the operation.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Input Fields: Ensure that you have filled in all required fields in the planning function or transaction you are using. Specifically, look for a field that specifies the number of periods.
  
  
  Specify Number of Periods: If there is a field labeled "Number of Periods" or similar, make sure to enter a valid number that indicates how many periods you want the planning function to consider.
  
  
  Review Planning Parameters: If you are using a custom planning function or variant, check the parameters to ensure that they are set correctly and that the number of periods is defined.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the required fields or how to set them, refer to the SAP documentation or help files related to the specific planning function you are using.
  
  
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to execute the planning function, as sometimes restrictions can lead to incomplete data being processed.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert who can provide more specific guidance based on your system configuration.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with the transaction codes related to APO planning, such as /SAPAPO/DP for demand planning or /SAPAPO/SNP for supply network planning.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address known issues or provide patches related to this error message.
  Training and Documentation: Consider training sessions or documentation on SAP APO to better understand how to navigate and utilize the planning functions effectively.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully execute your planning functions in SAP APO.