Understanding the Ledger Structure: Charts, Accounts, Wallets
Setting up the chart structure is a fundamental step in configuring the ledger, as it provides a framework for organizing accounts, wallets, and transactions into logical and manageable categories. This article explains how to design and implement your chart structure, what components to include, and how to set it up using either CLI commands or the Chart Management APIs.
Charts provide a hierarchical framework for managing accounts and wallets, offering flexibility and clarity in financial operations. Each chart typically corresponds to a business unit, region, or operational category. Here's what goes into a chart:
Key Components:
Chart Name: A unique identifier for the chart, such as
CHART_USorCHART_SALES.Accounts: Entities within a chart that represent financial structures, like revenue or expense accounts.
Wallets: Currencies or asset-specific substructures tied to accounts.
Rules and Constraints: Business logic to enforce specific behaviors, such as preventing negative balances.
How to approach ledger structure setup
Start by planning your chart structure based on your business needs. Here are some questions to ask:
What operational divisions are needed?
Examples: Regional (e.g., CHART_US, CHART_EU) or departmental (CHART_SALES, CHART_MARKETING).
What accounts will be required?
Examples: MAIN_ACCOUNT for general operations, REVENUE_ACCOUNT for income tracking.
What currencies or assets will you manage?
Examples: USD, EUR, or cryptocurrencies.
What rules are necessary for these accounts?
Examples: Limits on account balances or currency restrictions.
Once you have clarity on how you want the ledger structure to be organised, proceed to the following sections: Set up the Chart Structure.