What is cost observability?

Definition

Artificial intelligence cost observability records resource use with enough context to explain it. Instead of a provider total, it can attribute model calls and related costs to a run, user segment, workflow, subagent and policy intervention.

This visibility helps teams find expensive loops, expanding context and inefficient tools. Cost data should be connected to completion and quality because reduced spending is not useful if the workflow fails more often.

Acronyms and aliases

AI cost visibility synonymAI cost observability variantartificial intelligence cost observability variant

Frequently asked questions

What should AI cost observability attribute?

It should connect model and tool spending to runs, users, tasks, agents, subagents and the behavior that caused it.

Why combine cost and completion data?

A lower-cost run may be less efficient if it fails, repeats work or requires more human intervention.

Videos explaining cost observability