How To Fix /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT056 - Periods exist with more than one main employment

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT -

• Message number: 056

• Message text: Periods exist with more than one main employment

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 /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT056 - Periods exist with more than one main employment ?

  The SAP error message /SHCM/EMPLOYEE_INT056 indicates that there are periods in the system where more than one main employment record exists for an employee. This situation typically arises in the context of managing employee data, particularly when dealing with multiple employment records or changes in employment status.
  Cause:
  
  
  Multiple Main Employments: The error occurs when an employee has been assigned multiple main employment records for the same time period. This can happen due to:
  
  Incorrect data entry when creating or modifying employment records.
  System errors or inconsistencies during data migration or updates.
  Changes in employment status that were not properly recorded.
  
  
  
  Data Migration Issues: If data has been migrated from another system, it’s possible that the migration process did not handle main employment records correctly.
  
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that allow for multiple main employments, which can lead to this error if not managed properly.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Review Employment Records:
  
  Check the employee's employment records in the SAP system to identify any overlapping main employment periods.
  Use transaction codes like PA20 (Display HR Master Data) or PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) to review the records.
  
  
  
  Correct Data:
  
  If you find overlapping records, determine which record should be the main employment and adjust the records accordingly.
  You may need to change the status of one of the records to a non-main employment status or delete the duplicate record if it is not needed.
  
  
  
  Consult with HR Team:
  
  Work with your HR team to ensure that the changes made are in line with company policies and that all necessary approvals are obtained.
  
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  If the issue persists, review the configuration settings in the SAP system related to employment records. Ensure that the system is set up to prevent multiple main employments for the same period.
  
  
  
  Run Consistency Checks:
  
  Use SAP tools or reports to run consistency checks on employee data to identify and rectify any other potential issues.
  
  
  
  Documentation and Training:
  
  Document the process and provide training to HR personnel to prevent similar issues in the future.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common problems.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA20, PA30, and others that are used for managing employee data.
  HR Master Data Management: Understanding the principles of HR master data management in SAP can help prevent similar issues in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and ensure that the employee's employment records are accurate and compliant with SAP's requirements.