How To Fix FAA_MD053 - Controlling area could not be determined

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FAA_MD - Fixed Asset Master

• Message number: 053

• Message text: Controlling area could not be determined

What causes this issue?

The controlling area is required to check the cost center and activity
type.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

The controlling area is determined from the company code.
However, the system was unable to determine a controlling area.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Check the definition of the controlling area.
If you have not defined a required entry for the
cost center or activity type, you can continue to process the asset
master record by resetting the entry.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FAA_MD053 - Controlling area could not be determined ?

  The SAP error message FAA_MD053, which states "Controlling area could not be determined," typically occurs in the context of Asset Accounting (FI-AA) when the system is unable to find a controlling area for a specific asset or transaction. This can happen for various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for resolving the issue.
  Causes:
  
  Missing Configuration: The controlling area may not be properly configured in the system. This includes missing assignments between the company code and the controlling area.
  Incorrect Asset Master Data: The asset master record may not have the correct controlling area assigned, or it may be missing altogether.
  Company Code Issues: The company code associated with the asset may not be linked to a controlling area.
  Transaction Type Issues: The transaction type being used may not be configured to allow for the determination of a controlling area.
  Authorization Issues: Sometimes, the user may not have the necessary authorizations to access the controlling area.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Configuration:
  
  Go to the configuration settings in SAP and ensure that the controlling area is correctly assigned to the relevant company code.
  Use transaction code OBY6 to check the assignment of company codes to controlling areas.
  
  
  
  Review Asset Master Data:
  
  Use transaction code AS02 to display the asset master record and verify that the controlling area is correctly assigned.
  If the controlling area is missing or incorrect, update the asset master data accordingly.
  
  
  
  Verify Company Code Settings:
  
  Ensure that the company code associated with the asset is linked to the correct controlling area. This can be checked in the configuration settings.
  
  
  
  Check Transaction Type Configuration:
  
  Review the configuration of the transaction type being used to ensure it is set up correctly to determine the controlling area.
  
  
  
  Authorization Check:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access the controlling area. This can be checked with the security team or by reviewing the user roles.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for additional guidance on the specific configuration settings related to Asset Accounting and controlling areas.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  AS02: Change Asset Master Data
  OBY6: Assign Company Code to Controlling Area
  OBA7: Define Controlling Area
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address specific issues related to this error message.
  Support: If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to SAP support or consulting with an SAP expert for further assistance.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the FAA_MD053 error and implement the necessary solutions to resolve it.