> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bold-factory.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Analyze costs

> Analyze theoretical cost, actual cost and inventory valuation.

Use **Costs** to compare how much an operation should cost according to planning with how much it cost according to actual records.

## Analysis areas

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Prepare cost data" icon="database" href="/en/guides/costs/prepare-cost-data">
    Review items, employees, resources, purchases, consumption and time records before analyzing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Analyze item costs" icon="boxes" href="/en/guides/costs/analyze-item-costs">
    Review planned cost per unit and its breakdown by category.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configure employee costs" icon="users" href="/en/guides/costs/configure-employee-costs">
    Define the hourly cost used in labor calculations.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Theoretical cost vs actual cost" icon="scale" href="/en/concepts/costs/planned-versus-actual-cost">
    Understand the difference between planned and recorded values.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Inventory" icon="warehouse" href="/en/guides/costs/value-inventory">
    View valuation by item, lot or location.
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Recommended order

<Steps>
  <Step title="Review base data">
    Complete item, employee and resource costs before analyzing variances.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Perform traceable work">
    Record purchases, consumption, production, time and maintenance work orders with their corresponding references.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compare planned and actual costs">
    Analyze differences by order, work order, item or lot.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review inventory">
    Check that stock, lots and the costs used in valuation are consistent.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Before you start

Analysis depends on complete operational data. If consumption, time records, prices or lots are missing, correct them before interpreting the results.

## Related concepts

<Columns cols={1}>
  <Card title="Costs reference" icon="book-open" href="/en/concepts/costs">
    Understand planned cost, actual cost, cost updates and inventory valuation.
  </Card>
</Columns>


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