How To Fix WS297 - Posting period closed. Change settlement document list date &1 manually


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

  • Message number: 297

  • Message text: Posting period closed. Change settlement document list date &1 manually

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  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS297 - Posting period closed. Change settlement document list date &1 manually ?

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


    SAP Error Message:

    WS297 Posting period closed. Change settlement document list date &1 manually


    Cause:

    This error occurs when you try to post or settle a document in a period that is already closed in the SAP system. The system checks the posting period for the company code and the document date, and if the period is closed for posting, it prevents the transaction from being posted.

    Specifically, in the context of settlement documents (e.g., in CO-PA, CO, or Asset Accounting), the system tries to post the settlement document with a date that falls into a closed posting period.

    The placeholder &1 in the message typically shows the date or period that is causing the issue.


    Explanation:

    • Posting periods are defined in SAP to control the periods in which financial transactions can be posted.
    • Periods are opened and closed via transaction codes like OB52 (Maintain Posting Periods).
    • If the posting period for the document date is closed, SAP will not allow posting.
    • Settlement documents inherit the posting date from the settlement document list date or the settlement rule date.
    • If this date falls into a closed period, the error occurs.

    Solution:

    1. Check the Posting Period:

      • Use transaction OB52 to check the open posting periods for the relevant company code.
      • Verify if the period corresponding to the date shown in the error message (&1) is open for posting.
    2. Open the Posting Period:

      • If the period is closed and you want to post in that period, open the posting period for the relevant account types (e.g., G/L accounts, vendor, customer, etc.).
      • Be cautious when opening periods, as it can affect financial reporting and controls.
    3. Change the Settlement Document List Date:

      • If opening the period is not an option, change the settlement document list date to a date within an open posting period.
      • This can be done manually by editing the settlement document list date before posting the settlement.
    4. Adjust the Posting Date:

      • Alternatively, adjust the posting date of the settlement document to a date within an open period.
    5. Re-run the Settlement:

      • After adjusting the date or opening the period, re-run the settlement process.

    Related Information:

    • Transaction Codes:

      • OB52 – Maintain Posting Periods
      • KO88 – Actual Settlement
      • KSU5 – Display Settlement Rule
      • FB50 or FB01 – Manual Posting (to check posting periods)
    • Notes:

      • Always coordinate with your Finance/Controlling team before opening posting periods.
      • Posting periods are usually closed after month-end or year-end closing activities.
      • Settlement documents are often generated automatically; ensure the system date or settlement date is correctly maintained.
    • Additional Checks:

      • Verify user authorizations for posting in closed periods.
      • Check if the system has any special period settings (e.g., special periods for year-end closing).

    Summary:

    Aspect Details
    Cause Posting period for the settlement document date is closed.
    Error Message WS297 Posting period closed. Change settlement document list date &1 manually
    Solution Open the posting period or change the settlement document list date to an open period.
    Transaction to Check OB52 (Posting periods), KO88 (Settlement)

    If you need help with the exact steps to open posting periods or change the settlement document list date, please let me know!

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