How To Fix W-051 - Validity period is not allowed (From-date lies after the to-date)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W- -

• Message number: 051

• Message text: Validity period is not allowed (From-date lies after the to-date)

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W-051 - Validity period is not allowed (From-date lies after the to-date) ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W-051 Validity period is not allowed (From-date lies after the to-date)
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when you enter a validity period where the start date (From-date) is later than the end date (To-date). In other words, the system detects that the date range is logically incorrect because the beginning of the period is after its end.
  This can happen in various SAP transactions or master data maintenance screens where you define validity periods, such as:
  
  Material master (e.g., validity of prices, conditions)
  Vendor or customer master data (e.g., validity of addresses, payment terms)
  Condition records in pricing
  Info records
  Time-dependent data entries
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the dates you entered: Make sure the From-date is earlier than or equal to the To-date.
  Correct the validity period by swapping the dates if they are reversed.
  If the validity period is meant to be open-ended, use appropriate SAP conventions (e.g., a far future date like 31.12.9999 as To-date).
  Save the data after correcting the dates.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  This is a warning message (W-051), so depending on the transaction, you might be able to continue after acknowledging the warning, but it is recommended to correct the dates to avoid inconsistencies.
  Validity periods are crucial for time-dependent data in SAP to ensure correct data retrieval and processing.
  Always ensure date fields are consistent and logical to prevent errors in reporting, pricing, or master data usage.
  If you encounter this message in a custom program or enhancement, check the date validation logic.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Message
  W-051 Validity period is not allowed (From-date lies after the to-date)
  
  
  Cause
  From-date entered is later than To-date (invalid date range)
  
  
  Solution
  Correct the validity period so From-date = To-date
  
  
  Context
  Occurs in master data, pricing, conditions, or any time-dependent data entry
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with a specific transaction or scenario where this message appears, please provide more details!