Positions are sent by clearing houses in downloads. A position represents the number of shares in an asset at the close of business on a particular date.
Positions can be sent to a precision of 6 decimal places.
Positions are used to compare the shares calculated by Advisors Assistant with position sent. If the amounts differ by more than the tolerance set in the Investment System Preferences, then a reconcile transaction is created for that asset so that the shares match.
The reconcile transaction will affect basis and additions.
When you get a position, Advisors Assistant can reconcile to that position and you can be sure that the market value on the day of the position is accurate.