How To Fix /SAPAPO/RSP218 - Start date is in the past

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPAPO/RSP -

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Start date is in the past

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SAPAPO/RSP218 - Start date is in the past ?

  The SAP error message /SAPAPO/RSP218 Start date is in the past typically occurs in the context of SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) when a planning run or a process is initiated with a start date that is earlier than the current date. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when scheduling a planning run, creating a forecast, or executing a supply chain planning process.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Date Input: The user may have manually entered a start date that is in the past.
  System Date Mismatch: The system date may not be correctly synchronized, leading to confusion about what constitutes a "past" date.
  Planning Horizon Settings: The planning horizon may be set in such a way that it does not allow for planning activities to be scheduled in the past.
  Data Entry Errors: Errors during data entry or data import processes can lead to incorrect date values being used.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check and Correct the Start Date: Review the start date specified in the planning run or process and ensure it is set to the current date or a future date.
  Verify System Date: Ensure that the system date on the server is correct. If there is a discrepancy, it may need to be corrected by the system administrator.
  Adjust Planning Horizon: If applicable, review the planning horizon settings in the configuration and adjust them to allow for the desired planning activities.
  Review Input Data: If the date is being pulled from a data source, check the source data for any errors or inconsistencies that may have led to an incorrect date being used.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance related to the transaction or process you are working with.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Depending on the context, you may be using transaction codes like /SAPAPO/DP for demand planning or /SAPAPO/SNP for supply network planning.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform the planning activities, as restrictions may also lead to unexpected errors.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other users who may have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the /SAPAPO/RSP218 Start date is in the past error and proceed with your planning activities in SAP APO.