How To Fix SIPT020 - Changing start date/time may cause gaps and stop signature generation

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SIPT - SIPT: Digital Signature Portugal

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Changing start date/time may cause gaps and stop signature generation

What causes this issue?

You have changed the start date or time for the number range interval to
a date or time in the future.
If digital signature generation has already started for this number
range interval, this change switches off digital signature generation.
The law states that you must not stop digitally signing documents if
digital signature generation has already started for the relevant number
range interval. If you change the settings, this can lead to
inconsistencies in the database.
SAP is not responsible for the impact of stopping digital signature
generation.

System Response

You will not be able to post documents with this document type.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Reverse this change.
Alternatively, create a new number range interval for which digital
signature generation starts at the required date or time in the future.
Note that you must assign a new combination of leading document type and
series to a new number range.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SIPT020 - Changing start date/time may cause gaps and stop signature generation ?

  The SAP error message SIPT020 indicates that there is a potential issue with changing the start date and time for a signature generation process in the SAP system. This error typically arises in the context of electronic signatures or digital signatures, particularly when dealing with time-sensitive data or processes.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when the start date and time for a signature generation process are modified in such a way that it could create gaps in the signature timeline. This can lead to issues with the integrity and validity of the signatures, as signatures are often time-stamped and need to be generated in a continuous sequence without any gaps.
  Solution:
  To resolve the SIPT020 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Review Date/Time Changes: Check the changes made to the start date and time. Ensure that the new values do not create any gaps in the signature generation timeline. The new start date/time should be consistent with the previous entries.
  
  
  Maintain Continuity: If you need to change the start date/time, ensure that it is set to a value that maintains continuity with the previous signature generation times. This may involve setting the new start date/time to a value that is later than the last generated signature.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or guidelines related to electronic signatures and time management. This can provide insights into best practices for managing date and time settings.
  
  
  Test Changes: After making adjustments, test the signature generation process to ensure that it works without errors and that signatures are generated correctly.
  
  
  Seek Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your internal IT team for further assistance. They may have additional tools or insights to help troubleshoot the problem.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional context on handling date/time changes in signature processes.
  Configuration Settings: Review the configuration settings related to electronic signatures in your SAP system. Ensure that they are set up correctly to avoid issues with date and time management.
  User Training: Ensure that users involved in the signature generation process are trained on the importance of maintaining continuity in date and time settings to prevent similar errors in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the SIPT020 error and ensure smooth signature generation in your SAP system.