How To Fix WS296 - Settl doc list date &1 is in earlier period than posting date of the doc


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

  • Message number: 296

  • Message text: Settl doc list date &1 is in earlier period than posting date of the doc

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  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS296 - Settl doc list date &1 is in earlier period than posting date of the doc ?

    Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:


    SAP Error Message:

    WS296 Settl doc list date &1 is in earlier period than posting date of the doc


    Meaning / Cause:

    This error occurs during the settlement process (e.g., in CO-PA, Asset Accounting, or other settlement scenarios) when the settlement document list date is set to a date that falls before the posting date of the document being settled.

    • The settlement document list date is used to determine the posting period for the settlement document.
    • If this date is earlier than the posting date of the original document, it causes a period inconsistency.
    • SAP does not allow posting a settlement document in a period earlier than the original document's posting period.

    Why does this happen?

    • The settlement document list date is manually or system-generated and might be incorrectly set.
    • The posting date of the original document is later than the settlement document list date.
    • Period closing or fiscal period settings might cause the system to default to an earlier date.
    • Custom logic or user input might have set an incorrect date.

    Solution:

    1. Check the Settlement Document List Date:

      • Verify the date used as the settlement document list date.
      • It should be equal to or later than the posting date of the document being settled.
    2. Adjust the Settlement Document List Date:

      • Change the settlement document list date to a date on or after the posting date of the original document.
      • This can be done in the settlement rule or during the settlement run setup.
    3. Check Posting Dates of Original Documents:

      • Confirm the posting date of the original document.
      • If the original document's posting date is incorrect or too late, consider correcting it if possible.
    4. Check Fiscal Periods:

      • Ensure that the fiscal periods are open for the dates involved.
      • The settlement document list date must fall into an open posting period.
    5. Review Customizing and User Exits:

      • If custom logic sets the settlement document list date, verify and correct it.

    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes:
      • Settlement runs: KO88 (Order Settlement), KKA2 (Profitability Analysis Settlement), etc.
      • Document display: FB03 (Display Document)
    • Tables:
      • COEP (CO line items), COBK (CO document header)
    • Notes / SAP Help:
      • Check SAP Notes related to settlement document posting errors.
      • Refer to SAP Help for settlement process and posting period checks.

    Summary:

    The error WS296 indicates a date inconsistency where the settlement document list date is earlier than the posting date of the document being settled. Correcting the settlement document list date to be on or after the original document's posting date resolves the issue.


    If you need help with a specific transaction or scenario, please provide more details!

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