The procedure for completing the asset recognition process is outlined below:
1.Determine base unit. Determine the base unit for the asset. This determination is based upon a number of factors, such as whether the useful lives of various components of the asset are significantly different, at which level you prefer to physically track the asset, and the cost-effectiveness of tracking assets at various levels of detail.
2.Compile cost. Compile the total cost of the base unit. This is any cost incurred to acquire the base unit and bring it to the condition and location intended for its use. These activities may include the construction of the base unit, purchase costs, and related administrative and technical activities.
3.Match to capitalization limit. Determine whether the total cost of the base unit exceeds the corporate capitalization limit. If it does not, then charge the expenditure to expense as incurred. Otherwise, continue to the next step.
4.Assign to asset class. Assign the base unit to the most appropriate asset class for which there is a general ledger category (such as furniture and fixtures, office equipment, or vehicles).
5.Create journal entry. Create a journal entry that debits the asset account for the appropriate asset class and credits the expenditure account in which the cost of the base unit had originally been stored