How To Fix AA258 - Depreciation key & cannot be changed. (& depreciation posted)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AA - Messages for Asset Accounting

• Message number: 258

• Message text: Depreciation key & cannot be changed. (& depreciation posted)

What causes this issue?

You want to change the depreciation key.

System Response

You cannot change a depreciation key in an area in which the
depreciation key has already been used for the automatic entry of
accumulated depreciation, when depreciation has already been posted.

How to fix this error?

First you have to correct the depreciation already posted using a
write-up. Then you can change the depreciaton key.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AA258 - Depreciation key & cannot be changed. (& depreciation posted) ?

  The SAP error message AA258 indicates that the depreciation key for an asset cannot be changed because depreciation has already been posted for that asset. This is a common issue in asset accounting when trying to modify the depreciation key after the asset has been in use and depreciation has been calculated.
  Cause:
  
  Depreciation Posted: The primary reason for this error is that depreciation has already been posted for the asset in question. Once depreciation is posted, certain attributes of the asset, including the depreciation key, become locked to maintain the integrity of financial data.
  Asset Configuration: The depreciation key is linked to how the asset is depreciated over its useful life. Changing it after posting can lead to inconsistencies in financial reporting.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Depreciation: Check the asset's depreciation history to confirm that depreciation has been posted. You can do this by using transaction codes like AW01N (Asset Explorer) to view the asset's details.
  Create a New Asset: If you need to change the depreciation key, consider creating a new asset with the desired depreciation key and transferring the values from the old asset to the new one. This can be done using the Asset Transfer functionality.
  Adjust Depreciation Key: If the change is necessary and you have not yet posted any depreciation, you can adjust the depreciation key before posting any depreciation. However, this is not applicable in your case since depreciation has already been posted.
  Consult with Finance Team: If you are unsure about the implications of changing the depreciation key, consult with your finance or accounting team to ensure compliance with accounting standards and practices.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  AS01: Create Asset
  AS02: Change Asset
  AW01N: Asset Explorer
  ABT1N: Transfer within Company Code
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files related to Asset Accounting for more detailed procedures and implications of changing asset attributes.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional guidance or updates related to this error message.
  
  In summary, the error AA258 is a protective measure in SAP to ensure that changes to asset attributes do not compromise the integrity of financial data after depreciation has been posted. The best course of action is to create a new asset if a change is necessary.