Recently the Fixed Asset and Fixed Asset Depreciation packages have been updated. The latest releases contain minor bug-fixes and several improvements based on continuous improvement and feedback from users.
In particular the Depreciation package has a number of new features requested by customers.
- Support for U.S. Section 179 single depreciation. This law allows for small business to expense a single amount at the time of purchase of the asset then start applying depreciation to the residual value of the asset from that point. We have implemented this feature as a single ad-hoc depreciation that can be applied to an asset.
- Annual Depreciation. Previous releases applied depreciation monthly however there were calls to apply the depreciation on an annual basis. Straight line and Diminishing Value depreciation methods can now be applied on a monthly or annual basis with the annual calculation based on the Financial year-end in xTuple.
- Apportionment of depreciation in the first period. Depreciation now calculates in the first period and is apportioned based on when in the period the asset was purchased.
- Automatic posting of depreciation expense. The previous release created the depreciation expense entries in an un-posted state and needed manual posting to the General Ledger. The current release now allows you to specify whether you want to create and post directly to the G/L. This also improves the ability to automate depreciation transactions using xtConnect. Depreciation can be scheduled using xtConnect thereby removing the need for staff to remember to post depreciation.
Both the Fixed Asset and Fixed Asset Depreciation packages are marked as release candidate status. The new packages include the full RC package as well as the Beta to RC upgrade package. The Depreciation package includes an updated User Guide.
The Fixed Assets Depreciation package can be purchased from the online app store. For customers who have previously purchased the Depreciation extension, this is a free upgrade.
Dave Anderson
Open Source technologist with a focus on the application of open source in business. In particular I have experience implementing xTuple ERP, SAP, Pentaho Business Intelligence and Data Integration, and web-based applications using the LAMP and Java platforms. Specific experience in the installation, implementation and configuration of the xTuple ERP system. I am the primary developer behind the Fixed Asset extension package for the xTuple ERP system which now includes modules for Depreciation and Maintenance. Specialties: xTuple ERP Implementation, Configuration, and Development. Based in New Zealand.