Creating Activity Codes

Use the ABC Code Maintenance screen to create activity codes. Each activity to track is listed on this screen. Each activity is also assigned a code that triggers the system to log the activity called an auto group code. You must have ABC.MAINT authorization to access this screen.

Your system has a pre-defined set of activities, but you must enter additional information for each activity. You can also create new activity codes, as needed.

Note: Before setting up activity codes, you need to set ABC parameters and definitions.

To create an ABC activity code:

From the Events > Activity-Based Costing > Maintenance menu, select ABC Code Maintenance to display the ABC Code Maintenance screen.

Note: If prompted, log on to the character-based system.

Position the cursor on a blank line and, in the Tp field, enter the code that identifies the type of activity to add.
In the Description field, enter a brief statement that identifies the cost activity.
In the Auto Grp field, select the auto group code that triggers the system to log the activity.

You cannot change or add auto group codes, but you can assign multiple activities to the same auto group code. When a transaction triggers an auto group code to which you have assigned multiple activities, the system lists the activities and prompts the user to select one.

Note: You must have ABC.AUTO.CODES authorization to change this code assignment.

Use the Change View hot key to display the alternate view of the ABC Code Maintenance screen, which includes the G/L Pool and Expense Category columns.
In the G/L Pool column, enter the name of the G/L pool to associate with the activity.
In the Expense Category column, enter the name of the expense category to associate with the activity.
Complete any of the following fields associated with the activity, as needed:

Field	Description
Ext	A code that identifies an extension assigned to the activity to distinguish it from another activity assigned to the same auto group code. Note: You must define ABC extensions before you can assign them to activity codes.
Wght	A number that represents the relative factor of time and effort spent on an activity, in comparison with other activities assigned to the same G/L pool. For example, assign a weight factor of 1 to activities requiring the lowest unit of time. If an activity takes twice as long to perform, assign a weight factor of 2, and so on. For more information, see ABC Weight Factor Concepts.
X	Enter Y to exclude the activity from the ABC cost calculation, or N to include it. The default is N. When you exclude a code from the cost calculation, the system applies the costs associated with that code to the customer who incurred the cost. For example, if you exclude an ABC log entry for a customer using an activity code called Outside Sales Calls and a cost of $1000, then the system applies the $1000 to the customer. The system does not add the cost to the pool in the cost calculation program, and so the cost is not spread across all customers.
Est Cost	An estimated cost for this activity. If you plan to base inquiries and reports on estimated rather than calculated activity costs, assign an estimated cost for the activity in this field. To assign estimated costs by branch, use the Branch Costs hot key. Note: The system bases estimated costs on the weight factor. If you assigned a weight of 2, the system applies twice the amount you enter in this field to the cost.
A	Indicates whether the activity is activated for logging. To prevent the system from logging the activity, type N. The default is Y.

Press Esc to save the information and exit the screen.

More Options for Creating Activity Codes

The ABC Code Maintenance screen also offers these options:

To...	Use this hot key...
define required field entries for manual logging	Required Entry The ABC Required Entry screen displays.
sort the list of activities	Sort By The Sort By selection list displays. Select an option and press Enter.
filter the list of activities	Select The ABC Code Selection screen displays.
assign ship vias to SH activity codes, select an activity with the SH type and	Ship Vias The Ship Via screen displays. Enter the methods of transport for which to log the activity and press Esc.
assign estimated costs to activity codes by branch, if the estimated cost of an activity is different for different branches	Branch Costs The ABC Branch Cost Maintenance screen displays.
change the screen view to show calculated costs	Cost Select The Global ABC Cost Selection list displays. Select an option and press Enter.