Return vs. Move Asset - When to use which

There is a common misconception in Maximo on when to use the return item transaction or a move asset transaction.

The return item transaction should be used when an item has been consumed by a GL entity, but for one reason or another, the item was not necessary and therefore needs to be returned to the storeroom at its full issued value. Again, a return is to negate an issue transaction.

The move asset functionality should be used in the case where the user wishes to capture the fact that an asset has moved from one location to another. This means a transfer of value.
In the case of a traditional equipment asset, the value of the asset literally moves from the GL of one location to the GL of another. In the case of rotating assets this still holds true, however the inventory costs associated with that asset are also tracked within the Rotating Suspense account. At the time the rotating asset is moved into an inventory location, any transactions that were written to the Rotating Suspense account will then be transferred to the storeroom’s control account. Additionally, MAXIMO will adjust the average cost.

This has been extracted from Rotating A​sset Accou​nting by Kevin Buonagurio.