How To Fix VFRR534 - Time-related revenue recognition needs an accrual start date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VFRR - SD revenue recognition

• Message number: 534

• Message text: Time-related revenue recognition needs an accrual start date

What causes this issue?

If the item has been indicated as a time-related revenue recognition
item, it must contain an accrual start date.

System Response

The item is incorrect and cannot be saved.

How to fix this error?

You can only enter the accrual start date in Customizing for the item
category. Choose a correct accrual start date in Customizing.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VFRR534 - Time-related revenue recognition needs an accrual start date ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  VFRR534 – Time-related revenue recognition needs an accrual start date
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you are trying to post or process a revenue recognition document or contract line item that is set up for time-related revenue recognition, but the system does not have an accrual start date specified. The accrual start date is mandatory for time-related revenue recognition because it defines when the revenue recognition period begins.
  In other words, the system requires a valid start date to calculate the revenue recognition schedule over time. If this date is missing or not maintained, the system cannot proceed and throws this error.
  
  When does this happen?
  
  During contract creation or change in SAP Contract Accounts Receivable and Payables (FI-CA) or in Revenue Accounting and Reporting (RAR).
  When posting revenue recognition documents in SD Revenue Accounting.
  When the revenue recognition profile or condition type is set to time-related recognition but the accrual start date is not maintained.
  When the system tries to generate revenue recognition schedules or postings without a valid start date.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Maintain the Accrual Start Date:
  
  Check the contract line item or the revenue recognition document.
  Enter or correct the Accrual Start Date field.
  This date is usually maintained in the contract line item or in the revenue recognition master data.
  
  
  
  Verify Revenue Recognition Setup:
  
  Ensure that the revenue recognition profile or condition type is correctly configured for time-related recognition.
  Confirm that the system is set up to require and accept the accrual start date.
  
  
  
  Check Master Data and Document Data:
  
  In the contract or sales order, verify that the accrual start date is populated.
  If the date is derived from a reference date (e.g., billing date, service start date), ensure that the reference date is correctly maintained.
  
  
  
  Adjust Customizing if Needed:
  
  In some cases, the system might require customizing adjustments to allow defaulting or automatic determination of the accrual start date.
  Check settings in Revenue Accounting and Reporting (RAR) or SD Revenue Recognition customizing.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  VF01 / VF02 – Billing document creation/change (if related to billing).
  RAR_CONTRACT – Contract management in Revenue Accounting and Reporting.
  VFX3 – Revenue recognition document processing.
  
  
  
  Tables/Fields:
  
  Contract line item data (e.g., table VFKON or VFKONH in RAR).
  Accrual start date field (often ACCR_START_DATE or similar).
  
  
  
  SAP Notes:
  
  Check SAP Notes related to revenue recognition and accrual start date issues.
  Example: SAP Note 2345678 (hypothetical) might describe similar issues.
  
  
  
  Documentation:
  
  SAP Help Portal: Revenue Accounting and Reporting (RAR) documentation.
  SAP SD Revenue Recognition guides.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  The error VFRR534 indicates that the system requires an accrual start date for time-related revenue recognition but it is missing. To fix this, ensure that the accrual start date is properly maintained in the contract or revenue recognition document before posting or processing revenue recognition. This date is essential for the system to calculate the revenue recognition schedule over time.
  
  If you provide more context (e.g., module, transaction, scenario), I can help with more specific steps.