How To Fix WU389 - Finishing date before starting date. Is the date next year?

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WU - Promotion management messages

• Message number: 389

• Message text: Finishing date before starting date. Is the date next year?

What causes this issue?

You have entered a date which is prior to the starting date.

How to fix this error?

If the end date is next year, your entry is correct. If not, correct
the date.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WU389 - Finishing date before starting date. Is the date next year? ?

  The SAP error message WU389, which states "Finishing date before starting date," typically occurs in the context of scheduling or planning activities within SAP, such as in production orders, project management, or maintenance planning. This error indicates that the end date of a task or activity is set to a date that is earlier than its start date, which is logically incorrect.
  Causes:
  
  Incorrect Date Entry: The most common cause is simply entering the dates incorrectly. For example, the finishing date might have been mistakenly set to a date in the past or before the starting date.
  Date Format Issues: Sometimes, the date format might be misinterpreted, especially if the system is set to a different locale or if the user is entering dates in a non-standard format.
  Year Misunderstanding: If the finishing date is set to the next year but is still earlier than the starting date, it could lead to this error. For example, if the start date is in December 2023 and the finish date is set to January 2023, it would trigger this error.
  System Configuration: In some cases, system settings or configurations might lead to unexpected behavior regarding date handling.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check and Correct Dates: Review the start and finish dates entered in the system. Ensure that the finishing date is indeed later than the starting date.
  Use the Correct Date Format: Make sure that the dates are entered in the correct format as per the system's locale settings.
  Verify Year Entries: If you are working with dates that span multiple years, double-check that the year is correctly set for both the start and finish dates.
  Consult Documentation: If the issue persists, refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance related to the module you are working in.
  Seek Help from IT Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your IT support team or SAP administrator for assistance.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to date handling in your specific version of SAP.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on how to correctly enter dates in SAP to avoid common pitfalls.
  System Settings: Review system settings related to date formats and time zones to ensure they are configured correctly.
  
  By addressing the above points, you should be able to resolve the WU389 error and proceed with your tasks in SAP.