1.3 SAP Controlling Area

SAP Controlling Area
Author Written by Ben Adams and last updated on Posted onSeptember 18, 2017.
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In a previous tutorial, you were introduced to the CO

module and given definitions of the key high level organizational units, areas of
functionality, and master data. This tutorial will look at one of the organizational units,
SAP Controlling Area, on a more detailed level. The intent is to help you understand
how the Controlling Area organizes postings within the CO module and how it integrates
with Financial Accounting (FI).
Function of SAP Controlling Area

As the previously mentioned tutorial explained, the Controlling Area is highest level of
organization within the Cost Center Accounting function of CO and is the main
organizational link from the FI module to the CO module. It is required for the use of the
CO module and defines the organizational approach to managerial accounting. The
controlling area is defined early in the implementation of CO and sets the key
parameters for how CO will function. One of the key concepts to keep in mind is that the
controlling area can be assigned to one or more company codes in FI which allows for
reporting and management across company codes and business areas. When you
enter a transaction or report within the CO module, you will almost always be required
to select a controlling area as the first step.
SAP Controlling Area Assignment
to FI Company Codes
SAP Controlling Area Configuration

To better understand the controlling area, we will review the configuration steps and
examine the key options that must entered at initial set up.
The menu paths for configuration are as follows:
SPRO > SAP Reference IMG > Enterprise Structure > Definition > Controlling >
Maintain Controlling area
AND
SPRO > SAP Reference IMG > Enterprise Structure > Assignment > Controlling >
Assign Company Codes Controlling area
You can follow these menu paths for the 2 main steps or use transaction code OKKP to
do both.
IMG Locations for Controlling Area
Using transaction OKKP, the first screen you will come to appears as follows. The right
side of the screen shows existing controlling areas and the left side has 3 folders: Basic
Data, Activate components (a subfolder) and Assignment of company code(s) (a
subfolder).
IMG Transaction OKKP for Configuring Controlling Areas
Highlight the first entry on the right, controlling area 0001, and click on the Copy As icon
at the top. We will copy a standard delivered controlling area as a new controlling area.
Basic Data for Controlling Area
Enter a unique four-digits value, descriptive name, and a person responsible from the
list of preconfigured values (if required). You then indicate if a single company code or
multiple company codes will be assigned. Make currency, chart of accounts from FI,
fiscal year variant, and cost center standard hierarchy assignments.
NOTE: Controlling Area is required to create a cost center standard hierarchy, but since
you have not created one yet because there is no controlling area, SAP will do it for you
here. Simply key in the name for the hierarchy you want, hit enter, and a popup box will
appear. Click yes. If using the reconciliation ledger, indicate here as well as define the
document type for reconciliation postings. Note well – reconciliation ledger is only
applicable if using the classic general ledger in FI. In our example, the option is grayed
out because the new general ledger is active and reconciliation is no longer applicable.
Settings for Authorization Hierarchies for cost centers and profit centers are also
available.
Once all settings have been made, hit enter and you will be taken back to the initial
screen. At this point, save the controlling area into a transport request. Your screen will
appear as follows.
SAP Controlling Area Saved

Now with the new controlling area highlighted, click on the Assignment of Company
Code folder on the left. You will come to a screen where you will assign a company
code. This is a key integration point between FI and CO. Choose a company code. The
screen will appear as follows:
Company Code Assignment to Controlling Area
Next, click on the Activate Components/control indicators folder. You will get a screen
that appears as follows. Click on the New Entries button.
Add New Entries to Activate Controlling Area Components/Control Indicators
After clicking New Entries, you come to a screen where you define which components
will be used in the controlling area and if so, how. You can click on the drop-down
button to see the options available and choose as needed to meet your specific
requirements. Keep in mind that the Profit Analysis category is associated to the
Operating Concern assigned to the Controlling Area. We will take a look at that setting
later in this document. For now, make the required settings for activating the
components you need, and click the green arrow to go back.
Activation of Components within a Controlling Area
After clicking the green arrow to go back, the next screen you will see appears as
follows. This is where the control indicators are set.
Control Indicators for SAP Controlling Area
The first indicator defines whether values are updated in the controlling area currency or
also in the transaction currency and in the object currency. The second indicator defines
whether the system calculates price variances for primary cost postings by transaction
and posts them in CO. If the indicator is active, the system makes the calculations and
postings. The final indicator determines if postings made to cost objects are locked to
the company code defined in their master records (applicable if using cross company
code controlling). Review these settings to ensure they meet your requirements and
click the green arrow to go back and save the controlling area.
Assignment to Operating Concern

There is a final setting to discuss which relates to the active components for the
Controlling Area. Recall in the explanation above that within the Controlling Area there
is a definition of Profit Analysis. If your organization is using the Profitability Analysis
functionality (also referred to as CO-PA) to evaluate profitability by market segment, the
available choices here are costing-based, account based, or both. These are methods
of accounting and defined when you set up the Operating Concern, which is the high
level organizational unit used within CO-PA. Initially, and if the functionality is not being
used by your organization, this will be listed as Component not active. To make this
assignment, use transaction code KEKK or follow menu path:
SPRO > SAP Reference IMG > Enterprise Structure > Assignment > Controlling >
Assign Controlling Area to Operating Concern
Assignment of SAP Controlling Area to Operating Concern
The controlling area has now been created and linked to an operating concern.
Conclusion
This tutorial gave you some information on what the SAP Controlling Area is within CO,
how it is used, and the location and basic settings of the configuration. The key
takeaway is that the SAP Controlling Area is a required organizational object within CO
and controls the underlying functionality of how an organization uses the module,
including integration points with FI. Future tutorials will review other key organizational
objects within CO.
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1.3 SAP Controlling Area

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SAP Controlling Area

Author Written by Ben Adams and last updated on Posted onSeptember 18, 2017.

LinkedIn 0 Facebook 0 Email Share0

In a previous tutorial, you were introduced to the CO

Function of SAP Controlling Area

SAP Controlling Area Configuration

The menu paths for configuration are as follows:

SAP Controlling Area Saved

Assignment to Operating Concern

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