RahalCorporate
BudgetsReference

Allocation Types Reference

Complete reference for budget allocation types

Allocation Types Reference

This reference documents all budget allocation types and their behavior.

Allocation Type Values

TypeEnum ValueDescription
Per UserPER_USEREach user gets individual allocation
Shared PoolSHARED_POOLAll users share one pool

Type Behaviors

PER_USER

AspectBehavior
Amount distributionEach user gets the full budget amount
Tracking levelIndividual per user
One user's spending affects othersNo
Period recordsOne UserBudgetPeriod per user
Rollover calculationPer user
Transaction attributionPer user

Period tracking: Each user has their own UserBudgetPeriod record with individual totals, spending, and remaining amounts.

SHARED_POOL

AspectBehavior
Amount distributionAll users share the budget amount
Tracking levelPool level
One user's spending affects othersYes
Period recordsSingle BudgetPeriod for all
Rollover calculationPool level
Transaction attributionPer user, affects pool

Period tracking: A single BudgetPeriod tracks the entire pool. All users share the same remaining amount, though transactions still show who spent what.

Data Model Impact

Allocation TypePeriod RecordsTransaction Attribution
Per UserBudgetPeriod + UserBudgetPeriod per userPer user
Shared PoolBudgetPeriod onlyPer user, affects shared pool

Comparison Table

AspectPer UserShared Pool
Budget amountPer personTotal pool
IndependenceHigh (isolated)Low (shared)
FairnessEqual allocationFirst-come-first-served
FlexibilityLimited to individualFull pool access
Overspend impactIndividual onlyEntire team
RolloverPer userPool level
ForecastingPredictableVariable
ReportingPer userAggregated

Selection Criteria

Choose Per User When:

  • Individual spending limits required
  • Predictable per-employee budgets
  • Rollover should benefit the individual
  • One person shouldn't impact others

Choose Shared Pool When:

  • Team/project has collective budget
  • Spending varies by person each period
  • Flexibility is prioritized
  • Department-level tracking sufficient

Changing Allocation Type

Changing allocation type on an existing budget with active periods is not recommended. Create a new budget instead.

ScenarioRecommendation
New budgetSelect appropriate type
Existing budget, no spendingCan change safely
Existing budget, with spendingCreate new budget

On this page

Allocation Types ReferenceAllocation Type ValuesType BehaviorsPER_USERSHARED_POOLData Model ImpactComparison TableSelection CriteriaChoose Per User When:Choose Shared Pool When:Changing Allocation TypeRelated Topics