How To Fix WS520 - FI document creation not possible for different material periods

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS - Supplier Billing Document

• Message number: 520

• Message text: FI document creation not possible for different material periods

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 WS520 - FI document creation not possible for different material periods ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS520 - FI document creation not possible for different material periods
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to post a material document in Inventory Management (MM) for a period that is different from the period open in Financial Accounting (FI). In other words, the posting period for the material document (MM) and the FI document do not match or overlap, causing a conflict.
  Typically, this happens because:
  
  The material document is being posted in a period that is closed or not open in FI.
  The FI posting period is different from the MM posting period.
  The system settings require that material and FI postings must be done in the same period or compatible periods.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In SAP, Inventory Management (MM) and Financial Accounting (FI) have their own posting periods. For consistency and reconciliation, SAP requires that postings related to material movements and their corresponding FI documents occur in the same or compatible posting periods.
  If the MM posting period is open but the FI posting period is closed (or vice versa), the system will prevent the posting and throw the WS520 error.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Posting Periods:
  
  Use transaction MMPV (Open/Close Posting Period for MM) to check if the material posting period is open.
  Use transaction FBS1 or OB52 to check if the FI posting period is open for the relevant company code and posting key.
  
  
  
  Align Posting Periods:
  
  Ensure that the posting period for FI and MM are open and aligned for the posting date.
  If FI period is closed, open the relevant period in FI using transaction OB52.
  If MM period is closed, open the relevant period in MM using transaction MMPV.
  
  
  
  Adjust Posting Date:
  
  Change the posting date of the material document to a period that is open in both MM and FI.
  
  
  
  Check Period Lock Settings:
  
  Sometimes, period locking is set differently for MM and FI. Coordinate with your Finance and MM teams to synchronize period openings.
  
  
  
  Consult with Finance Team:
  
  If the periods are intentionally different due to month-end closing or other reasons, coordinate with the finance team to understand the posting strategy.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  MMPV – Open/Close Posting Period for MM
  OB52 – Maintain Posting Periods for FI
  MB1A/MB1B/MB1C – Material document posting transactions
  FB50/FB01 – FI document posting transactions
  
  
  
  Notes:
  
  Always ensure that the posting periods in MM and FI are synchronized to avoid such errors.
  Posting periods are controlled at the company code level.
  Period closing is a critical month-end activity; ensure proper communication between MM and FI teams.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Posting periods for MM and FI differ or one is closed, causing posting conflict.
  
  
  Solution
  Open the relevant posting periods in both MM and FI or adjust the posting date accordingly.
  
  
  Key Transactions
  MMPV (MM periods), OB52 (FI periods)
  
  
  Additional Info
  Synchronize MM and FI period openings to avoid WS520 error.
  
  
  
  
  If you need further assistance, please provide details such as the posting date, company code, and the current open periods in MM and FI.