Cost Explorer Automation

Cost Explorer Automation

The Cost Explorer Automation is a Continuous automation that collects and processes AWS cost data, powering SkySaver’s cost analysis features.

How It Works

graph LR
    A[Cost Explorer Automation] --> B[Query AWS Cost Explorer API]
    B --> C[Process Cost Data]
    C --> D[Store in SkySaver]
    D --> E[Power Dashboards & Reports]
  1. Collect - Queries the AWS Cost Explorer API for cost and usage data
  2. Process - Aggregates data by service, account, region, and tags
  3. Store - Saves processed data for visualization
  4. Display - Powers dashboards, charts, and reports

Data Collected

Data TypeDescriptionRefresh Rate
Cost by ServiceSpending breakdown by AWS serviceDaily
Cost by AccountPer-account spendingDaily
Cost by RegionGeographic cost distributionDaily
Cost by TagTag-based cost allocationDaily
Usage MetricsResource utilization dataDaily
RecommendationsRightsizing and savings suggestionsDaily

Prerequisites

To use the Cost Explorer Automation:

  1. Enable Cost Explorer - AWS Cost Explorer must be activated in your AWS account

  2. IAM Permissions - The SkySaver role needs Cost Explorer API permissions:

    • ce:GetCostAndUsage
    • ce:GetRightsizingRecommendation
    • ce:GetSavingsPlansPurchaseRecommendation
    • ce:GetReservationPurchaseRecommendation

  3. Cost and Usage Reports (Optional) - For enhanced detail, configure CUR:

    • s3:ListBucket
    • s3:GetObject
    • s3:GetBucketLocation

Configuration

The Cost Explorer Automation is enabled by default when you connect an AWS account with the appropriate permissions.

Verifying Permissions

  1. Navigate to Accounts > Manage
  2. Click Check on the account
  3. Verify that “Cost Explorer” shows as configured

Data Availability

Data TypeAvailability
Current month costsUpdated daily
Previous month costsAvailable after month end
Historical costsUp to 12 months
RecommendationsUpdated daily

Cost Allocation Tags

For tag-based cost breakdown, enable Cost Allocation Tags in AWS:

  1. Go to AWS Billing Console > Cost Allocation Tags
  2. Activate tags you want to track
  3. Wait 24-48 hours for data to populate

Understanding the Data

Cost Metrics

MetricDescription
Unblended CostActual usage costs
Blended CostAveraged costs for consolidated billing
Amortized CostUpfront costs spread over time

Recommendations

TypeDescription
RightsizingSuggestions to change instance types
Reserved InstancesRI purchase recommendations
Savings PlansSP purchase recommendations

Troubleshooting

IssuePossible CauseSolution
No cost dataCost Explorer not enabledEnable in AWS Billing Console
Missing recommendationsInsufficient historyWait for 14+ days of data
Stale dataAPI latencyData updates overnight; check tomorrow
Permission errorIAM role missing permissionsUpdate CloudFormation template