FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Production Costing.
General
What is the difference between standard costing and actual costing?
Standard costing uses pre-defined expected costs for materials, labor, and overhead. Variances between standard and actual are tracked separately.
Actual costing records the real costs incurred during production without any pre-set estimates. It is more accurate but requires more data collection.
Can I use multiple costing methods for different products?
Yes. You can assign different costing methods per product category or item group, allowing flexibility across your product range.
How often should I update standard costs?
It is recommended to review and update standard costs at least once per year, or whenever there are significant changes in material prices, labor rates, or production processes.
Allocation
What happens if I choose the wrong allocation base?
Using an inappropriate allocation base can distort product costs — over-costing some products and under-costing others. Review your allocation bases periodically to ensure they still reflect actual cost drivers.
What is over/under absorption?
- Over-absorption occurs when applied overhead exceeds actual overhead incurred.
- Under-absorption occurs when applied overhead is less than actual overhead.
Both are adjusted at period end through a closing journal entry.
Reports
Can I filter reports by date range, product, or cost center?
Yes. All reports support filtering by date range, product, work order, cost center, and more.
How do I export a report to Excel?
Open the report, click the Export button in the toolbar, and select Excel (.xlsx) from the format options.
Technical
Does Production Costing integrate with the General Ledger?
Yes. All cost postings are automatically reflected in the General Ledger, ensuring financial statements are always in sync with production data.
Is historical cost data preserved when I change costing methods?
Yes. Changing a costing method applies only to future transactions. Historical records remain unchanged and fully accessible.
Who should I contact for support?
Reach out to your system administrator or visit the support portal for assistance.