A significant function within the framework of Asset Accounting is planning the future development of the value of fixed assets. For this reason, the system offers the following simulation options:

• You can execute standard reports with simulated depreciation terms.

• You can analyze changes in the value of individual assets using simulated depreciation terms and transactions.

When starting a standard list report, enter a defined simulation version in order to generate the list using simulated depreciation terms. You can define these simulation versions yourself with the rules for the simulation. When doing this, specify

• The depreciation area for the simulation

• The asset class (generic entry from right to left with ‘+’)

• The depreciation key to be replaced in the simulation

• A valid-to date, which means that for an asset to be included in the simulation, it has to have a capitalization date on or before this date.

The following options are offered in the function part of the simulation table:

• New depreciation key

• Change to the useful life as a percentage (such as 80% or 125%)

• A valid-from date, which means an asset has to have a capitalization date on or after this date to be included in the simulation

The simulation version that you use is noted in the page header of the list created. This applies to all depreciation lists that allow for the use of simulation versions. Choose the Choose function to obtain a list of the parameters for the simulation version. You can also print this list.

Along with the fields described above, you can also enter a substitution in order to define a simulation version. This method enables you to create complex substitution rules and to simulate additional depreciation terms along with the depreciation key and the useful life. However, the system uses the substitution only if it cannot find an appropriate simulation rule (see above). If you want the system to use the substitution in all cases, you have to define a simulation variant without rules and enter only the substitution.

The transaction for defining this type of substitution is found under Substitution in the transaction for defining the simulation version. A dialog box appears in which you can select the depreciation terms you want to simulate. You can select the following depreciation terms:

• Depreciation key

• Useful life

• Periods

• Scrap value

• Index series

• Variable depreciation portion

In the next screen, enter the values that should be used to replace these depreciation terms in the simulation. You can enter a fixed value here. You can also enter a substitution user exit that you have programmed.

You can also limit the validity of the substitution by creating conditions for it. When you define the conditions for the substitution, you can use all fields in the asset master record, as well as the simulation version itself.

There is a separate standard report for the simulation of depreciation in future fiscal years. The date you enter for the report determines the future fiscal year up to which you want to simulate depreciation.

You can use the transaction for displaying asset values to look at values for any fiscal years and fiscal year intervals. The system projects depreciation and values for future fiscal years based on the current values and depreciation terms. In this way, the system enables you to preview the course of future depreciation of the asset.

In order to obtain a more in-depth analysis, you can simulate changes in the depreciation terms (useful life, depreciation key, depreciation start date, index). In addition, you can simulate any number of transactions directly in the value display transaction. The system then displays all asset values at the same time, based on the simulated terms and asset transactions.