4.3 Data Generator-Calculated Split Cost Allocation Handling

The data generator-calculated split cost allocation for data generator-defined services is a capability that can be offered by data generators which allocates (or in some cases provides more granular detail about) a charge to a more granular level. This is accomplished by taking a charge record present in a FOCUS dataset (origin charge) and splitting it into multiple charge records (allocated charges) to reflect the more granular detail, while ensuring the origin charge can be derived from the combination of allocated charges. This feature is used by practitioners to conduct chargebacks and better understand the usage of resources.

An attribute that allows data generators to offer more detailed cost and usage information based on a method defined and documented by the data generator, including support for allocating costs in cases where the usage of a resource might not match the units the resource is measured in.

• A FOCUS dataset MUST include the following columns when the data generator supports data generator-calculated split cost allocation:
  • AllocatedMethodId
  • AllocatedResourceId
  • AllocatedResourceName
  • AllocatedResourceTags
• A FOCUS dataset SHOULD include the following column when the data generator supports data generator-calculated split cost allocation:
  • AllocatedMethodDetails
• Allocated charge records in a FOCUS dataset MUST sum up to the origin charge record for all aggregatable metric columns.
• For each allocated charge records in a FOCUS dataset, all dimension columns and non-aggregatable metric columns MUST match the values of the origin charge record.
• Allocated charge records MUST include the same keys and values present in the Tags column for the origin charge.
• Allocated charge records MUST satisfy normative requirements for all columns.
• The method used for allocating origin charges to create allocated charges MUST be documented by the data generator and accessible to practitioners.
• A FOCUS dataset MAY contain records for concepts not related to resource usage, if documented in the split cost allocation method.
• A FOCUS dataset MAY contain records for the unused or unallocated usage from the origin charge as separate allocated charges, if it aligns to the data generator's documented allocation method.
• Allocated charge records MAY contain apportioned costs for the unused or unallocated usage from the origin charge, if it aligns to the data generator's documented allocation method.
• Split cost allocation is RECOMMENDED to be applied to charges on an opt-in basis.

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