In SAP Asset Accounting, when you create multiple similar assets at once, such as 20 computers or 12 desks, which types of master data can still be entered separately for each individual asset record?

Introduction / Context:
Organizations often purchase several identical or very similar fixed assets at the same time, for example a batch of computers or desks. SAP Asset Accounting supports the creation of multiple similar assets in one step to save time. However, financial control and inventory management still require that each asset can be identified and assigned correctly. This question checks whether you understand which master data fields can remain individual even when assets are created in bulk as similar assets.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The organization uses the multiple similar asset creation function in SAP. - The assets share the same asset class and many default values. - The user wants to know whether specific fields such as cost center or inventory number can differ per asset. - The goal is to keep administrative efficiency while preserving detailed tracking of each item.

Concept / Approach:
When you create multiple similar assets, SAP allows you to create a group of assets in one process while still assigning unique values for certain identification and responsibility fields. This supports asset tracking, physical inventory, and cost allocation. While generic settings like asset class and some depreciation controls are shared, fields like cost center, inventory number, business area, and description can be maintained separately for each individual asset. This flexibility ensures that reporting by responsibility center and location remains accurate.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: The user selects the option to create multiple similar assets and specifies the number of assets to create, for example 20 computers. Step 2: The system uses the chosen asset class and other default values to prepare the basic master data for each asset in the group. Step 3: For each individual asset in the group, the user can enter or adjust fields such as cost center, inventory number, business area, and description to reflect the specific department, location, or purpose. Step 4: The system then creates separate asset master records, all linked by the same asset class and purchase, but distinguishable by their individual master data. Step 5: Later, depreciation and reporting can be performed per asset, while physical inventory processes use the unique inventory numbers and descriptions.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify this behaviour, you can create a small batch of similar assets and then display each asset master record. You will see that while the asset class and many control settings are identical, fields like cost center and inventory number can be different for each asset. Reporting by cost center and business area will show costs and depreciation posted separately, confirming that separate master data values are supported and meaningful.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b is wrong because SAP is designed to allow differences in key fields such as cost center and inventory number, even for similar assets. Option c is incorrect because more than just the description can vary; responsibility and location related fields can also be maintained individually. Option d is also incorrect because it artificially limits variation to the business area only, which is not how the system works in practice.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to leave all similar assets on the same cost center even when they belong to different departments, which can distort cost allocation. Another pitfall is failing to assign separate inventory numbers, which makes physical tracking difficult. Some users also forget to adjust descriptions to indicate location or user, which can complicate identification. Understanding that you can maintain separate cost center, inventory number, business area, and description for each asset helps avoid these issues and supports cleaner reporting.

Final Answer:
The correct statement is that SAP allows separate values for key identification and responsibility fields on each asset in a group of similar assets. Therefore, the correct option is You can maintain separate cost center, inventory number, business area, and description for each individual asset in the group.