DHL Logbook - in cooperation with

Technical University Darmstadt

Process-based cost accounting

The special calculation for logistics
In logistics, conventional cost-performance accounting based on overhead
calculation reaches its limits. As a result of various difficulties, it is hardly
possible to obtain a suitable allocation of the costs. Another approach is to
switch to process-based cost accounting, which offers an improved
presentation of the costs of indirect service areas such as marketing or
logistics. In this way, it is possible to achieve a more usage-based distribution
of these overhead costs.

Logistics-focused cost accounting

Process-based cost accounting is suggested as a way to refine logistics-based
cost-performance accounting in order to overcome the problems faced by
traditional cost-performance accounting in the tracking of logistics costs and
performance. These problems include:
The adequate presentation of the logistics area - e.g., the question of
whether waiting time at the ramp is a part of the transport time.
The precise allocation of cost units - e.g., the question of determining to
which contract overhead costs at the warehouse should be allocated and to
what extent.
The lack of a closed cost theory for the logistics area, among other things,
because of the high complexity of cost functions - e.g., transport costs are
determined not only by the size of shipment and distance, but also by type
of roads and driving styles.
A central problem of traditional overhead calculation is that logistics overhead
costs cannot be allocated in accordance with the cause of the cost as
overhead surcharges for material, production or sales on products.
The idea behind process-based cost accounting is to precisely record the costs
generated during processes. To fulfill this purpose, the following steps are
conducted [1].

Steps in process-based cost accounting

Identification of the actual causes of the output and cost volume, the socalled process factors, reference values and cost drivers. Traditional cost
accounting generally concentrates on unit quantities and unit prices. But
process-based cost accounting also includes, in addition to employment, the
array of variations, complexity of the products and production, and the size
of the contract as cost factors.
Once the process factors are set, the process quantities can be determined
by counting the number of material orders, material deliveries, etc.
Process cost-unit rates can be determined by dividing the costs allocated to
a process by the related process quantities.
Identified, functionally related subprocesses are added to main processes in
a manner that extends across cost centers.

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DHL Logbook - in cooperation with

Technical University Darmstadt

Despite its many strengths, process-based cost accounting is not used

extensively among companies because of the effort required to implement it
[1].

Recommended reading
Logistikmanagement | Pfohl 2004

References
[1] Logistikmanagement | Pfohl 2004

Related articles
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