# Regions and Usage

#### Purpose

Explains how regions (stamps) are represented and how usage flows from collection to rating and billing, including offline scenarios.

#### Regions (stamps)

- A Region represents a source of usage.
- Each Region has the endpoints/credentials required for usage collection and health checks.
- Multiple Regions can be operated concurrently; billing can aggregate across regions.
- Offline and disconnected operations
- The CMS is designed to support disconnected environments.
- Usage and rating can proceed without continuous internet access when inputs are available.

#### Usage processing pipeline

1. Collection: Pull raw usage records for a Region and time range.
2. Mapping: Normalize and map records to Subscriptions and SKUs.
3. Aggregation: Group by resource/meter and billing period with quantity roll-ups.
4. Rating: Apply prices, thresholds, credits, and currency rules.
5. Output: Persist rated usage and expose summaries for invoicing, analytics, and commissions.