How To Fix WTRA020 - The start of the period is after the end of the period

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WTRA - Runtime Analysis: Messages

• Message number: 020

• Message text: The start of the period is after the end of the period

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WTRA020 - The start of the period is after the end of the period ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message WTRA020: "The start of the period is after the end of the period":
  
  Error Message:
  WTRA020 - The start of the period is after the end of the period
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when a date range or period is defined incorrectly in SAP, specifically when the start date (or start period) is set later than the end date (or end period). In other words, the system expects the start date to be before or equal to the end date, but the input violates this rule.
  This can happen in various SAP modules and transactions where date ranges are required, such as:
  
  Time evaluation (e.g., in Personnel Time Management)
  Reporting periods
  Posting periods
  Selection screens where date intervals are entered
  
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  Entering a start date that is after the end date in a selection screen.
  Defining a period interval in customizing or master data where the start period is incorrectly set.
  In time evaluation or payroll, specifying an evaluation period with incorrect dates.
  During posting or document selection, specifying an invalid date range.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Date/Period Entries:
  
  Review the input fields where the start and end dates or periods are entered.
  Ensure that the start date/period is less than or equal to the end date/period.
  
  
  
  Correct the Date Range:
  
  Adjust the start date to be before or equal to the end date.
  If the dates are dynamically determined (e.g., via a program or user exit), check the logic that sets these dates.
  
  
  
  Validate User Input:
  
  If this error occurs during user input, inform users to enter valid date ranges.
  Implement input validation if possible to prevent incorrect entries.
  
  
  
  Check Custom Code or Enhancements:
  
  If the error arises in a custom program or enhancement, debug the code to verify how the date range is set.
  Correct the logic to ensure valid date intervals.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Information:
  
  Message Class: WTRA (often related to Time Management)
  Message Number: 020
  This is a warning message, but depending on the context, it may prevent further processing.
  The error is common in modules like SAP HR (HCM), especially in time evaluation or payroll period definitions.
  Always ensure that date intervals are logically consistent to avoid this error.
  
  
  Example:
  If you enter:
  
  Start Date: 31.12.2023
  End Date: 01.01.2023
  
  The system will throw WTRA020 because the start date (31 Dec 2023) is after the end date (1 Jan 2023).
  Correct it to:
  
  Start Date: 01.01.2023
  End Date: 31.12.2023
  
  
  If you need help with a specific transaction or module where this error occurs, please provide more details!