What Is Chart Of Depreciation

Introduction

The Chart of Depreciation is a fundamental concept in SAP Asset Accounting (FI-AA). It defines various depreciation areas and valuation methods for assets within a company. Each country has a predefined Chart of Depreciation in SAP, which can be modified according to business needs. In this article, we will explore:
  • What a Chart of Depreciation is
  • Its key features
  • Steps to configure it in SAP
  • How to assign it to a company code
Let’s dive into the details!

What Is Chart of Depreciation?

A Chart of Depreciation is a structured directory of depreciation areas that businesses use to manage asset depreciation based on accounting requirements.

Key Features of the Chart of Depreciation

  • Organized Structure: The Chart of Depreciation contains various depreciation areas, allowing businesses to comply with both legal and internal financial requirements.
  • Depreciation Areas: Each depreciation area has specific characteristics and rules for asset valuation. A depreciation area is assigned to only one Chart of Depreciation.
  • Automatic Calculation: Depreciation keys help in the automatic calculation of asset depreciation. These keys rely on predefined calculation methods and period controls available at the client level.
  • Special Asset Calculations: The Chart of Depreciation includes specific calculation objects for handling special asset values.
  • Company Code Assignment: Each company code must be linked to one Chart of Depreciation.

Configuring the Chart of Depreciation in SAP

SAP provides country-specific Charts of Depreciation with predefined depreciation areas. However, businesses must create their own version by copying a reference Chart of Depreciation and modifying it as needed.

Step 1: Copy Reference Chart of Depreciation/Depreciation Areas

SAP provides standard Charts of Depreciation, but they cannot be used directly. Instead, users must copy a reference Chart of Depreciation and customize it.

Steps to Copy a Reference Chart of Depreciation:

  1. Navigate to Configuration Menu: 

  2. Go to SAP IMG Menu Path:
    Financial Accounting -> Asset Accounting -> Organizational Structures -> Copy Reference Chart of Depreciation/Depreciation Areas
  3. Select Copy Reference Chart of Depreciation.
  4. Choose the Organizational Object -> Copy Org. Object.
  5. Enter the following details in the Copy Dialog Box:
    1. From Chart of Depreciation: 0US
      To Chart of Depreciation: BP01
  6. Click "Continue" and then "Back."
  7. Specify the Description of the Chart of Depreciation:
    1. Select the line where ChDep value is BP01 and enter a description:
      BP01 - Base Line Chart of Depreciation  
  8. Save the settings.
  9. Delete or modify depreciation areas as required.
  10. Finalize and save the Chart of Depreciation.
Now, the Chart of Depreciation (BP01) is successfully created as a copy of 0DE.

Step 2: Assign Chart of Depreciation to Company Code

Once a Chart of Depreciation is created, it must be assigned to a company code to enable Asset Accounting in SAP.

Steps to Assign Chart of Depreciation to a Company Code:

  1. Navigate to Configuration Menu: 

  2. Financial Accounting -> Asset Accounting -> Organizational Structures -> Assign Chart of Depreciation to Company Code (Transaction OAOB)
  3. Open the "Maintain Company Code in Asset Accounting" screen.
  4. Enter the following details:

  5.  
    CoCd Company Name Chart Depreciation Description
    BP01 SAP Best Practices BP01 Baseline Chart of Depreciation
  6. Click Save.
Now, the Chart of Depreciation (BP01) is successfully assigned to the company code BP01.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of a Chart of Depreciation in SAP?

A Chart of Depreciation defines depreciation areas and valuation methods for assets in a company. It ensures compliance with accounting regulations and helps in asset valuation.

2. Can a company have multiple Charts of Depreciation?

No, each company code in SAP is assigned to only one Chart of Depreciation. However, a Chart of Depreciation can have multiple depreciation areas to meet different accounting standards.

3. What is the difference between a Chart of Depreciation and a Depreciation Area?

  • Chart of Depreciation: A directory that organizes depreciation areas based on business needs.
  • Depreciation Area: A specific section within the Chart of Depreciation that determines how depreciation is calculated for assets.

4. How do I modify a Chart of Depreciation in SAP?

You can modify a Chart of Depreciation by:
  • Deleting unnecessary depreciation areas
  • Adding new depreciation areas
  • Updating depreciation methods

5. What is the standard SAP transaction for assigning a Chart of Depreciation to a company code?

The standard SAP transaction code is OAOB.

6. What happens if a Chart of Depreciation is not assigned to a company code?

Without a Chart of Depreciation, Asset Accounting (FI-AA) cannot function, and assets cannot be depreciated in SAP.

Conclusion

The Chart of Depreciation is a crucial part of SAP Asset Accounting, ensuring accurate asset valuation and compliance with accounting regulations. By following the steps outlined above, businesses can configure a Chart of Depreciation and assign it to their company code with ease.

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See Also
Stop Depreciation For Some Fixed Asset

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