How To Fix /SCMTMS/VSS_CHK018 - Activity &1 (KEY &2) begins before expected time period starts (&3 < &4)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SCMTMS/VSS_CHK -

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Activity &1 (KEY &2) begins before expected time period starts (&3 < &4)

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 /SCMTMS/VSS_CHK018 - Activity &1 (KEY &2) begins before expected time period starts (&3 < &4) ?

  The SAP error message /SCMTMS/VSS_CHK018 indicates that there is a scheduling issue with a specific activity in the Transportation Management System (TMS). The error message states that the activity (identified by &1 and KEY &2) is starting before the expected time period begins, which is indicated by the timestamps &3 (the start time of the activity) and &4 (the expected start time).
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs due to one of the following reasons:
  
  Incorrect Scheduling: The activity has been scheduled to start before the defined time period in the planning settings.
  Configuration Issues: There may be misconfigurations in the transportation planning settings or time periods defined in the system.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual entry errors when defining the start times for activities or planning periods.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Activity Timing:
  
  Review the timing of the activity in question. Ensure that the start time of the activity (&3) is not earlier than the expected start time (&4).
  
  
  
  Review Planning Settings:
  
  Go to the configuration settings for transportation planning in SAP TMS. Check the defined time periods and ensure they align with the activities being scheduled.
  
  
  
  Adjust Activity Schedule:
  
  If the activity is incorrectly scheduled, adjust its start time to fall within the expected time period.
  
  
  
  Validate Data Entries:
  
  Ensure that all relevant data entries related to the activity and its scheduling are correct. This includes checking for any manual entries that may have been made incorrectly.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for more detailed information on the specific configuration settings related to transportation planning and scheduling.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making adjustments, test the scheduling again to ensure that the error does not reoccur.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like /SCMTMS/PLANNING or /SCMTMS/ACTIVITY to access the relevant planning and activity management screens.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address known issues or provide additional guidance on this error message.
  Support: If the issue persists after following the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.