Assessment Cycle VS Distribution Cycle

Question

Hello Frds,
I am having tough time to know difference between Assessment Cycle VS Distribution Cycle.
1) Steps to Define these Cycles
2) Simple Scenarios would be great help
I understand that Distribution is used to allocate Primary costs and Assessment is used to allocate Primary and secondary costs.
Appreciate your help!
Jag

Answer 1

Hi,
The main difference between Assessment cycle and Distribution cycle is - in case of Assessment we use secondary cost element.
An example to highlight the difference is as under:
Common Costs incurred for example for Factory Cafeteria are booked to Cost Center - Z using primary cost element 400100 (Amount $ 100). During period end closing the costs are be allocated to Cost Centers A, B and C in the ratio of 50%, 20% and 30% respectively.
Distribution:
Sender Rule: Posted Amounts
Sender Cost Center - Z
Sender Cost Element - 400100
Receiver Cost Centers are A, B and C
In Receiving Tracing factor - we specify the percentages for each cost center.
When distribution cycle is executed. Cost Center Z will be credited by $ 100 and Cost Center A, B and C will be debited with $50, $20 and $30. All the postings will be made using the primary cost element 400100.
Assessment:
<b>Assessment Cost Element: 600100</b>.
Sender Rule: Posted Amounts
Sender Cost Center - Z
Sender Cost Element - 400100
Receiver Cost Centers are A, B and C
In Receiving Tracing factor - we specify the percentages for each cost center.
When assessment cycle is executed. Cost Center Z will be credited by $ 100 and Cost Center A, B and C will be debited with $50, $20 and $30.
In Assessment all the postings will be made using Assessment Cost Element - which is secondary cost element.
The advantage of Assessment is the original postings made to the primary cost element are retained.
In this example, if we execute a report for Cost Center Z for Cost Element 400100, we can still display the values. If we execute the report for cost element 400100 and 600100 together, the value will be zero.
Hope this clarifies.
Thanks
Murali.