A validation error means that BrightBooks or Bright AP has checked an action, entry or set of data and found something that does not meet the rules required by the system.

These checks help ensure that your accounting data remains accurate and consistent.

What can cause a validation error?

Validation errors can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• Incomplete or incorrect information.
• Unbalanced journal or Trial Balance postings.
• Invalid or missing nominal codes.
• Incorrect VAT settings or VAT treatment.
• Dates that do not match the required accounting period.
• Data that conflicts with existing client or account settings.
• Information required for reporting or iXBRL filing being missing or invalid.
• Problems with data being synchronised between Bright AP and BrightBooks.

Why does BrightBooks or Bright AP show a validation error?

Validation checks are designed to prevent incorrect or inconsistent information from being saved, imported, synchronised or submitted.

For example, the system may prevent an action if:

• A journal does not balance.
• A required field has not been completed.
• An imported Trial Balance contains an invalid nominal code.
• VAT information does not agree with the transaction.
• Information required for an iXBRL submission is missing or incorrectly configured.

In some situations, particularly with cloud-based systems, a validation error may also occur while information is being saved or synchronised in the background. This can happen when multiple changes are being made at the same time or when an integration, such as a bank feed, is updating data.

What should I do when I receive a validation error?

The error message will often provide information about what needs to be corrected.

1. Read the full error message and identify the field, transaction, nominal code or setting mentioned.
2. Check the information referenced by the error.
3. Correct the underlying issue rather than repeatedly attempting the same action.
4. Retry the action once the issue has been corrected.
5. If the error persists, note the exact error message, including any error code, Correlation ID or other reference shown.

If you cannot resolve the error, contact BrightBooks Support or Bright AP Support, depending on where the error occurs, and provide the full error message and details of the action you were attempting.

Important

A validation error does not necessarily mean that your data is damaged or that there is a problem with the software. In most cases, it indicates that the system has identified information that needs to be corrected or reviewed before the action can continue.