6.0 Asset Accounting (AA)
6.1 Overview and Master Data
The FI-Asset Accounting (FI-AA) component is a subsidiary ledger within SAP FI specifically designed for managing and monitoring a company’s fixed assets throughout their entire lifecycle. It is tightly integrated with other modules; for example, asset acquisitions can be posted directly from Materials Management (MM) goods receipts or invoice receipts, and depreciation expenses are posted to both Financial Accounting (FI) and Controlling (CO).
The core organizational object for structuring assets is the Asset Class. An asset class is used to group assets with similar characteristics (e.g., Buildings, Vehicles, Computers) and controls key parameters such as the number range and the default depreciation terms. A new asset class is defined using transaction code OAOA.
The Asset Explorer (AW01N) is the primary tool for analyzing all values associated with a fixed asset. It provides a comprehensive, real-time view of an asset’s transactions and value development over time. The Asset Explorer screen consists of three main components:
- Header: Displays the company code and asset number being analyzed.
- Overview tree: Allows navigation between different depreciation areas and related objects (e.g., cost center, equipment).
- Tab area: Provides detailed analysis of planned and posted values, including acquisition and production costs (APC) and accumulated depreciation.
The data captured across all FI modules—General Ledger, AP, AR, and AA—is consolidated and finalized through critical period-end closing activities.