---
title: "Creating and Configuring Cost Centers and Cost Center Groups"
description: "To describe in detail which costs have resulted where, it is possible to divide a reporting entity into cost centers. By using cost center groups, it is possible to group cost center sub-groups and/or cost centers together."
source_url: https://support.lucanet.com/en/documentation/consolidation-financial-planning/platform-dimensions/reporting-entities/manage-cost-centers
language: en
last_updated: 2026-05-01
---
# Creating and Configuring Cost Centers and Cost Center Groups

## Overview

To describe in detail which costs have resulted where, it is possible to divide a reporting entity into **cost centers**. By using **cost center groups**, it is possible to group cost center sub-groups and/or cost centers together.

## Creating Cost Centers and Cost Center Groups

> **Note:** When cost centers are used, it is always necessary to create a **default cost center** in Lucanet. All values which do not contain cost center information are posted to this cost center. The name of the default cost center can be selected as required.

To create a cost center or a cost center group:

1. Right-click a reporting entity or a cost center group.

2. Select **Create | Cost center** or **Cost center group** from the context menu. The **Create Cost Center** dialog is displayed: 

    ![Creating a cost center](https://support.lucanet.com/assets/docs-images/consolidation-financial-planning/platform-dimensions/reporting-entities/manage-cost-centers/_images/en/create_cost_center.png)
    Creating a cost center

3. Specify the element name and, optionally, add cost centers.

4. Click **Save**.
> **Note:** If you create a default cost center in a reporting entity in which postings have already been made, the message **The changes shown in red will take effect only after exporting and importing the database** is displayed. This means the default cost center will not become visible until you reimport the current database. If needed, contact your Lucanet administrator.

## Configuring Cost Centers and Cost Center Groups

![The dialog for editing a cost center is displayed.](https://support.lucanet.com/assets/docs-images/consolidation-financial-planning/platform-dimensions/reporting-entities/manage-cost-centers/_images/en/configure-cost-center.png)
Configure a cost center

To configure a cost center or a cost center group:

1. Click the name of the cost center or cost center group in the tree view.

2. Click **Edit** at the top right to open the editing mode.

3. If needed, change the **name** of the element.

4. Assign one or more **partners** to the cost center.

5. Click **Save**.