How To Fix SE286 - Value of work may not be negative

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SE - Dienstleistungen Stammdaten Leistungsposition

• Message number: 286

• Message text: Value of work may not be negative

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SE286 - Value of work may not be negative ?

  The SAP error message SE286 "Value of work may not be negative" typically occurs in the context of project management or work management within SAP, particularly when dealing with project planning, resource allocation, or time recording. This error indicates that a negative value has been entered where only positive values are acceptable, such as in the context of work hours, costs, or quantities.
  Causes:
  
  Negative Input: A user may have inadvertently entered a negative value in a field that only accepts positive values (e.g., work hours, costs).
  Data Entry Errors: Mistakes during data entry, such as incorrect calculations or misinterpretation of fields.
  System Configuration: Certain configurations or settings in the project management module may not allow negative values for specific fields.
  Integration Issues: If data is being imported from another system or module, negative values may be incorrectly passed into the SAP system.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Input Values: Review the values entered in the relevant fields to ensure that they are all positive. Correct any negative values.
  Review Calculations: If the values are derived from calculations, verify the formulas and ensure they are set up correctly to avoid negative results.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for the specific transaction or module you are working with to understand the constraints on input values.
  System Configuration: If you suspect that the issue is related to system configuration, consult with your SAP administrator or technical team to review the settings for the project management module.
  Error Logs: Check SAP error logs for additional context or related errors that may provide more insight into the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes related to project management, such as CJ20N (Project Builder), CJI3 (Project Actual Line Items), or others.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the correct data entry procedures to minimize the risk of inputting negative values.
  Testing: If changes are made to configurations or processes, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the error does not recur.
  
  If the issue persists after checking these areas, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.