How To Fix SO851 - End of activation must be later than start of activation

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SO - SAPoffice: message texts

• Message number: 851

• Message text: End of activation must be later than start of activation

What causes this issue?

An end date was specified which is earlier than the start date.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Enter a date which is later than the start date.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SO851 - End of activation must be later than start of activation ?

  The SAP error message SO851 ("End of activation must be later than start of activation") typically occurs in the context of managing the activation of certain objects or processes within the SAP system, such as when dealing with transport requests, workflow, or other activation processes.
  Cause:
  This error indicates that there is a logical inconsistency in the activation time settings. Specifically, it means that the end time for an activation process is set to a time that is earlier than the start time. This can happen due to:
  
  Incorrect Time Settings: The user may have inadvertently entered the end time before the start time.
  System Clock Issues: If the system clock is not synchronized correctly, it may lead to incorrect time stamps.
  Data Entry Errors: Manual entry errors when specifying activation times.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the SO851 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Time Entries: Review the activation time settings for the object or process you are trying to activate. Ensure that the end time is indeed later than the start time.
  
  
  Correct the Time Settings: If you find that the end time is incorrectly set, update it to a valid time that is after the start time.
  
  
  System Time Synchronization: Ensure that the system clock is correctly synchronized with a reliable time source. This can help prevent issues related to incorrect time settings.
  
  
  Review Configuration: If this error occurs frequently, review the configuration settings related to the activation process to ensure they are set up correctly.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance related to the activation process you are working with.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional context.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to the activation process you are working with (e.g., SE09 for transport requests).
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that the user has the necessary permissions to perform the activation process, as sometimes permission issues can lead to unexpected errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SO851 error and successfully complete the activation process.