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Release 2508 introduces new functionality that enables the automated capture of control data for transaction-based capital consolidation using substitution rules. Specifically for integrated companies, this substitution rule feature offers the advantage of eliminating the need to create manual documents for adding capital consolidation activities.

The new release includes a large number of standard substitution rules. These are automatically activated and can be deactivated if needed. It is also possible to create your own custom substitution rules.

The following control fields can be taken into account in the substitution rules:

1.) Capital consolidation activity
2.) Upper unit
3.) Participation unit

Definition of substitution rules

To create a new substitution rule, open the "Manage Substitution and Validation Rules" app. When creating the rule, select the relevant business context "Fields for Capital Consolidation Control in Group Reporting".

A wide variety of parameters can be selected as preconditions. These include the position, the business period, the document type, the sub-position, and many more.

In this example, a capital position in combination with sub-position 625, used for capital increases, must be set as a prerequisite. In the substitution section, the capital consolidation activity 05 (capital increase) must be inserted.

In the "View Group Accounting Documents" app, after uploading the additional reporting data, it can be seen that the capital consolidation activity 05 (capital increase) was automatically set by the substitution rule.

The solution offers several advantages:

• Process reliability - Automated filling reduces input errors and inconsistent control data.
• Reduced manual effort - End users no longer need to manually maintain control information, which saves time.
• Improved quality of ABCOI results - Since Control data comes from official structures, the automatic calculations (goodwill, revaluation, equity effects) are more accurate.
• Improved transparency - The derived values ​​can be viewed in the trace, allowing business users to see exactly how the system made its decision.

On the other hand, the following disadvantages/challenges may arise:

• Dependence on correctly maintained structures - If the master data and transaction data are not correct or not fully maintained, the automatic derivation can generate incorrect values.
• Limited flexibility - Manual override of certain steps is only possible to a limited extent, as the system uses standardized derivation logics.
• Increased need for master data quality - The new regulation shifts responsibility from the consolidator to the accountant and master data manager – incomplete or outdated master data, as well as accounting data that is not 100% accurately recorded, now have a direct impact.
• Potential complexity in special cases - Special cases (e.g. mergers, complex cross-shareholdings, retroactive changes) will continue to require manual rework.

And finally ...

The new ABCOI automation only offers an advantage if the accounting data is already in a consolidation-compliant structure. Incorrect classifications or missing sub-items completely prevent derivation and necessitate manual corrections in operational accounting. Therefore, the quality of the derived control data remains directly dependent on the quality, completeness, and technically correct allocation of the underlying accounting information.

Learn more about SAP S/4HANA Group Reporting here.