Processing Logic for Usage Line Items

To generate charges from usage line items, you must first define the asset for the usage measurement. You specify this asset in the Usage Asset number (#) field in the Line Detail view in the Line Items view of the Agreements screen. For accurate billing, the charge schedule must match the measurement frequency of the asset.

If you want to charge for estimated usage, then you must define certain fields in the product measurement record of the product for the asset. For more information, see Setting Up Use Plans.

The Charge Consolidation business service uses the following processing logic for usage line items:

1. If there is a previous charge for the use plan of the agreement line item, then find the reading on the last charge.

2. If the charge is the first charge for the use plan, then find the reading closest to the date in the Use Start field.

3. Find the reading closest to the current date or the Advance Invoice date.

4. If there is no new reading after the last charge or the date in the Use Start field, and if the Estimate check box is selected (in the Use Plans view of the Administration - Service screen), then use the calculated average use in the Usage field (in the Measurements view of the Assets screen) as the estimated reading.

5. If a reading is found, then verify the following values for the reading:

   • The Complete check box is selected.

   • The Counter Type field (in the Measurements view in the Service Information view in the Products view of the Administration - Product screen) is set to Incremental or Absolute.

6. If the conditions in Step 5 are satisfied, then calculate the usage.