"You must enter a step/grade value before this record can be saved" Error message when you assign a pay code to an employee in Microsoft Dynamics GP

This article provides a solution to an error that occurs when you assign a pay code to an employee in Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Applies to:   Microsoft Dynamics GP
Original KB number:   947426

Symptoms

When you assign a pay code to an employee in the Employee Pay Code Maintenance window in Microsoft Dynamics GP, you receive the following error message:

You must enter a step/grade value before this record can be saved.

Cause

This problem occurs because the Pay Steps functionality is enabled in Human Resources in Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Resolution

If you aren't using the Pay Steps functionality, disable the Pay Steps functionality in Human Resources. To do it, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: You haven't already used the Pay Steps functionality

1. Use the appropriate method:
   • In Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0, point to Tools on the Microsoft Dynamics GP menu, point to Setup, point to System, and then select Human Resources Preferences.
   • In Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0, point to Setup on the Tools menu, point to System, and then select Human Resources Preferences.
2. Select to clear the Use Pay Steps/Grades check box.
3. Select OK.
4. Verify that you can now assign pay codes to your employees in the Employee Pay Code Maintenance window.

To open the Employee Pay Code Maintenance window, point to Payroll on the Cards menu, and then select Pay Code.

Method 2: You've already used the Pay Steps functionality

1. Have all users exit Microsoft Dynamics GP.

2. Back up the DYNAMICS database.

3. Start the Support Administrator Console, Microsoft SQL Query Analyzer, or SQL Server Management Studio. To do it, use one of the following methods depending on the program that you're using.

   Method 1: For SQL Server Desktop Engine

   If you're using SQL Server Desktop Engine (also known as MSDE 2000), start the Support Administrator Console. To do it, select Start, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft Administrator Console, and then select Support Administrator Console.

   Method 2: For SQL Server 2000

   If you're using SQL Server 2000, start SQL Query Analyzer. To do it, select Start, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server, and then select Query Analyzer.

   Method 3: For SQL Server 2005

   If you're using SQL Server 2005, start SQL Server Management Studio. To do it, select Start, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server 2005, and then select SQL Server Management Studio.

4. Run the following scripts against the DYNAMICS database.

   Update SUSPREF set POINTS_I = 0 where IINDEX_I = 7000
   

   Update SUSPREF set POINTS_I = 1 where IINDEX_I = 7001
   

5. Verify that you can now assign pay codes to your employees in the Employee Pay Code Maintenance window.

   To open the Employee Pay Code Maintenance window, point to Payroll on the Cards menu, and then select Pay Code.