# Cost Control

### Core Concepts

| Term                   | Definition                                                                                                                                                         |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Compute Block (CB)** | The unit that measures resource consumption on the platform. Every action - such as sending a chat message or uploading a file - consumes a defined number of CBs. |
| **CB Limit**           | The maximum number of Compute Blocks a user may consume within a given timeframe.                                                                                  |
| **Timeframe**          | The period over which CB consumption is counted and reset - either Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.                                                                      |
| **Hard Limit**         | A strict enforcement mechanism. Once the CB limit is reached, no further CB-consuming actions are possible until the limit is increased by an admin.               |
| **Default Limit**      | A system-wide CB limit that applies to all users unless an individual override is set.                                                                             |

> The feature is disabled by default. Administrators must turn in on in order to use the Compute Block Limit.

<figure><img src="/files/oPR21TGatbcjOFkgVhfK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Admin Configuration

#### Default CB Limit

Administrators configure a **default limit** that applies to all users globally. This limit consists of two parameters:

| Parameter          | Default Value | Available Options        |
| ------------------ | ------------- | ------------------------ |
| **Compute Blocks** | 500.000       | Any custom numeric value |
| **Timeframe**      | Monthly       | Daily / Weekly / Monthly |

> The default limit is the baseline for every user account. It takes effect unless an individual override is configured for a specific user.

***

#### Per-User Limit Override

Admins can override the default limit for any individual user directly in **User Management**. Two columns are available per user:

* **Compute Blocks** - the maximum CB allowance for that user
* **Timeframe** - the reset period for that user's limit

**To override a user's limit:**

1. Go to **User Management**.
2. Find the user in the list.
3. Edit the **Compute Blocks** and **Timeframe** values in that user's row.
4. Save your changes.

<figure><img src="/files/UUa7g9ifsOhwpPSUL6uj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> An individual user's limit always takes **precedence** over the global default limit.

***

#### Custom Notification Message

When a user hits their CB limit, a popup notification is displayed. Admins can define the **text content** of this message.

The popup automatically includes:

* The admin-defined message text
* The user's assigned CB limit
* The active timeframe

**Example admin-defined message:**

> *"You have reached your usage limit. To request an increase, please contact* [*admin@yourcompany.com*](mailto:admin@yourcompany.com)*."*

<figure><img src="/files/hrVQdo9oJ9RiOMftQMrD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### Adjusting Limits

CB limits can be updated at any time in **User Management** - both the default limit and individual user overrides. Changes take effect **immediately** upon saving.

***

### User-Facing Behavior

#### Usage Visibility

Users can monitor their CB consumption in their **User Profile**. Usage is displayed as a **progress bar**, showing:

* Total CBs consumed in the current timeframe
* The assigned CB limit

***

#### Limit Enforcement

Once a user's CB limit is reached, the following behavior is triggered:

1. A **popup notification** appears, displaying:
   * The administrator's custom message
   * The user's limit and timeframe
2. The popup can be **dismissed**, but will **re-appear** every time the user attempts to:
   * Open or interact with a **Chat form**
   * Upload files in **Knowledge Management**
3. All CB-consuming actions are **fully blocked** until the admin increases the limit.

> The user can still freely **navigate** the platform. Only actions that consume Compute Blocks are restricted.

***

#### Regaining Access

Users **cannot self-service** a limit increase. To regain full access:

* Contact your administrator and request a CB limit adjustment.
* Once the admin increases the limit, access is **restored immediately**.


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