How To Fix /SAPAPO/MAT701 - Start date/time may not lie in the past (&1 &2 &3 &4)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/MAT -

• Message number: 701

• Message text: Start date/time may not lie in the past (&1 &2 &3 &4)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SAPAPO/MAT701 - Start date/time may not lie in the past (&1 &2 &3 &4) ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/MAT701 Start date/time may not lie in the past (&1 &2 &3 &4) typically occurs in the context of Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) when you are trying to create or modify a planning object (like a production order, a planned order, or a similar entity) with a start date or time that is set in the past. This is a validation check to ensure that planning activities are based on future dates.
  Cause:
  
  Past Date/Time: The most common cause of this error is that the start date or time you are trying to enter is earlier than the current date and time.
  System Date/Time Settings: The system date and time settings may be incorrect, leading to confusion about what constitutes a "past" date.
  Data Entry Error: There may have been a mistake in entering the date/time, such as a typographical error or misunderstanding of the date format.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Date/Time: Review the start date and time you are trying to enter. Ensure that it is set to a future date and time.
  Correct the Entry: If the date/time is indeed in the past, update it to a valid future date/time.
  System Date/Time: Verify that the system date and time settings are correct. You can check this by using transaction code SM51 to see the server time.
  User Input Validation: If you are entering the date/time manually, consider implementing input validation to prevent past dates from being entered.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the date/time format or the expected values, refer to the relevant SAP documentation or help resources.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you might be using various transaction codes in SAP APO, such as /SAPAPO/SDP94 for planning or /SAPAPO/MC90 for planning book settings.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues related to this error message.
  User Roles and Authorizations: Ensure that the user has the necessary roles and authorizations to perform the action that triggered the error.
  Debugging: If the issue persists and is not due to user error, consider debugging the process to identify any underlying issues in the code or configuration.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and proceed with your planning activities in SAP APO.