specification: FinOps Framework
specificationVersion: '1.0'
schema: https://www.finops.org/framework/
provider: Descartes Systems Group
providerId: descartes
created: '2026-07-05'
modified: '2026-07-05'
reconciled: false
tags:
- Logistics
- Supply Chain
- Freight Visibility
- Customs Compliance
- Global Trade
- FinOps
- Cost Management
- FOCUS
description: >-
  FinOps view of Descartes API spend. Descartes prices its APIs as part of
  enterprise product subscriptions and contracts rather than as standalone
  metered APIs, so cost allocation follows the product line - MacroPoint
  visibility/capacity (typically driven by tracked-load / shipment volume),
  CustomsInfo trade content and Datamyne trade data (data entitlements), and
  B2B connectivity over the Global Logistics Network (message/connection
  volume). There is no public per-call rate, so unit economics are governed by
  the negotiated contract. Rates are not reconciled here.
notes: >-
  Because pricing is contract-based, the primary cost drivers to track are
  product subscription fees and volume metrics (tracked loads, data records,
  connectivity messages). Confirm meter definitions and rates with Descartes
  during procurement.
sources:
- https://www.descartes.com
- https://api.descartes.com/
- https://docs.macropoint.com/
- https://focus.finops.org/focus-specification/v1-3/
alignedWith:
  framework: FinOps Foundation Framework
  frameworkUrl: https://www.finops.org/framework/
  dataSpec: FOCUS
  dataSpecVersion: '1.3'
  dataSpecUrl: https://focus.finops.org/focus-specification/v1-3/
publisherName: Descartes Systems Group
serviceCategory: Logistics and Supply Chain Software
billingModel:
  pricingCategory: Contract-Based
  billingFrequency: Annual
  billingCurrency: USD
  chargeCategories:
  - Purchase
  - Usage
  - Adjustment
focusColumns:
  ServiceName: Descartes API
  ServiceCategory: Logistics and Supply Chain Software
  ProviderName: Descartes Systems Group
  PublisherName: Descartes Systems Group
  InvoiceIssuerName: Descartes Systems Group
  BillingCurrency: USD
  ChargeCategory: Purchase
  PricingCategory: Contract-Based
meters:
- name: tracked_loads
  description: Shipments/loads tracked through MacroPoint visibility; a primary volume driver for MacroPoint API cost.
  unit: loads
  aggregation: sum
  dimensions:
  - account
  - product
- name: capacity_matches
  description: Carrier capacity matches processed through MacroPoint Capacity Import/Export.
  unit: matches
  aggregation: sum
  dimensions:
  - account
- name: trade_content_records
  description: Trade content lookups / records consumed from CustomsInfo (HS classification, tariff/duty, rulings).
  unit: records
  aggregation: sum
  dimensions:
  - account
- name: trade_data_records
  description: Global trade data records retrieved from Datamyne (bill-of-lading, customs records).
  unit: records
  aggregation: sum
  dimensions:
  - account
- name: connectivity_messages
  description: B2B messages exchanged over the Global Logistics Network.
  unit: messages
  aggregation: sum
  dimensions:
  - account
principles:
- name: Visibility
  description: Track volume per product (tracked loads, capacity matches, trade content/data records, connectivity messages) since these drive contract cost even without a public per-call rate.
- name: Allocation
  description: Map each Descartes product subscription and its API usage to the business unit or workflow that consumes it.
- name: Optimization
  description: Right-size product subscriptions to actual shipment/data volume; consolidate connectivity onto the Global Logistics Network where it replaces point-to-point EDI.
- name: Accountability
  description: Assign owners per Descartes product line and review annual contract spend against realized volume during renewal.
maintainers:
- FN: Kin Lane
  email: kin@apievangelist.com