Actual Costs

Actual costs are the records that capture what a project is truly spending.

What an Actual Cost Record May Include

• amount
• transaction date
• supplier
• invoice number
• invoice date
• notes
• status
• source linkage to a module, material, labor item, or expense

Why Context Matters

A raw amount by itself is weak.

Darwin is stronger when each actual cost can be understood in relation to:

• the budget structure
• the source logic
• the project context
• the approval process

Best Practices

• capture actuals with as much source context as possible
• avoid storing invoice information outside the system
• review pending items before treating them as accepted actuals