How To Fix /SAPAPO/RET_MESSAGES404 - The end date cannot lie before the start date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/RET_MESSAGES -

• Message number: 404

• Message text: The end date cannot lie before the start date

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/RET_MESSAGES404 - The end date cannot lie before the start date ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/RET_MESSAGES404 indicates that there is a problem with the date range specified in a planning or scheduling context within the SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) module. Specifically, it means that the end date you have entered is earlier than the start date, which is logically incorrect.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The most common cause is that the user has mistakenly entered an end date that is earlier than the start date.
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, there may be inconsistencies in the date formats or values.
  User Input Error: Users may inadvertently select the wrong dates from a date picker or input them manually.
  System Configuration: In some cases, system settings or configurations may lead to unexpected behavior in date handling.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Date Inputs: Review the start and end dates you have entered. Ensure that the end date is indeed later than the start date.
  Correct the Dates: If you find that the end date is incorrect, update it to a valid date that is after the start date.
  Validation Logic: Implement validation logic in your application or process to prevent users from entering invalid date ranges in the future.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the expected date formats or ranges, refer to the relevant SAP documentation or user guides.
  Testing: After making corrections, test the process again to ensure that the error does not recur.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to correctly enter date ranges in the system.
  System Logs: Review system logs for any additional context or related errors that may provide further insight into the issue.
  Support: If the problem persists after checking the dates, consider reaching out to SAP support for assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and prevent it from occurring in the future.