How To Fix WS518 - Documents with different material periods cannot be created together

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 518

• Message text: Documents with different material periods cannot be created together

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS518 - Documents with different material periods cannot be created together ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation of the SAP error message WS518 - "Documents with different material periods cannot be created together":
  
  Error Message:
  WS518 - Documents with different material periods cannot be created together
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to post or create material documents in SAP that belong to different material periods within the same transaction or batch. 
  
  Material periods are defined in the Material Ledger or Inventory Management and represent the periods for which material movements or postings are recorded.
  SAP requires that all material documents created together (e.g., in a single batch or transaction) must belong to the same material period.
  If the system detects that the documents span across different material periods (e.g., one document is for period 03/2024 and another for 04/2024), it throws this error.
  
  This usually happens when:
  
  The material ledger periods are open for some materials but closed for others.
  The posting date or document date crosses a period boundary.
  There is a mismatch in the periods due to incorrect or inconsistent period status settings.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Material Ledger Period Status:
  
  Use transaction ML81 or ML85 to check the status of material ledger periods.
  Ensure that the material ledger periods for all materials involved are open for posting.
  If a period is closed, you cannot post material documents for that period.
  
  
  
  Check Inventory Management Period Status:
  
  Use transaction MMPV or OMJJ to check and maintain the inventory management periods.
  Make sure the periods are open for the relevant plants and materials.
  
  
  
  Align Posting Dates:
  
  Ensure that the posting date and document date for all material documents fall within the same material period.
  Adjust the posting date if necessary to keep all documents within the same period.
  
  
  
  Split the Posting:
  
  If you are trying to post multiple documents together and they belong to different periods, split the posting into separate transactions, each containing documents for only one material period.
  
  
  
  Check Customizing Settings:
  
  Verify the settings in Material Ledger and Inventory Management related to period closing and posting.
  Sometimes, inconsistencies in configuration can cause this error.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Material Ledger Period Closing: Material ledger periods are usually closed monthly or quarterly. Once closed, no postings are allowed for that period.
  Inventory Management Period Closing: Inventory management periods must be open to allow postings.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  ML81 - Material Ledger Period Closing
  ML85 - Material Ledger Period Status
  MMPV - Maintain Inventory Management Periods
  OMJJ - Define Inventory Management Periods
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to WS518 for any patches or updates.
  Impact: This error prevents inconsistent postings that could lead to incorrect inventory valuation or material ledger inconsistencies.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Attempt to create material documents spanning different material periods in one posting.
  
  
  Solution
  Ensure all documents belong to the same open material period; adjust posting dates or split postings.
  
  
  Check
  Material ledger and inventory management period status; posting/document dates.
  
  
  Transactions
  ML81, ML85, MMPV, OMJJ
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with specific steps or transaction codes, feel free to ask!