Composite / composite / 3 to 6 months
Multiple distinct cost-efficiency problems are firing simultaneously, indicating that cost-per-output is deteriorating across several surfaces at once rather than as a single isolated issue. C10 is a multi-signal aggregation; it reads the firing state of four base signals and fires when at least [redacted] of them are active.
At least [redacted] of these [redacted] base signals are currently firing on the snapshot: `software-stack-bloat` (S15), `budget-actuals-variance` (S35), `payroll-overhang` (S14), `headcount-cost-revenue` (S36). The firing logic counts the active set via `hasSignal()` lookups. Emit location: `lib/financial-engine/src/financialEngine.js:[redacted]`.
Each constituent base signal in isolation is a localized cost problem. When [redacted] or more fire together, the prior probability of an underlying structural cost issue rises materially above what either signal alone implies. The composite quantifies the cumulative monthly drag from identifiable waste (software bloat) plus identifiable budget overruns, projects it to an annual figure, and surfaces the cluster as a strategic-level signal rather than four uncoordinated tactical ones.
A firm with `software-stack-bloat` firing on $[redacted]K per month of redundant subscriptions plus `budget-actuals-variance` firing on $[redacted]K per month of persistent category overruns sees the composite fire with $[redacted]K per month identifiable drag (about $[redacted]K per year). The base signals individually feel like small problems with separate owners; the composite reframes them as a single $[redacted]K annual problem warranting a single accountable owner and a board-level conversation.
Exact thresholds, formulas, and severity bands are omitted from this public view. The full methodology, with every figure, is available in the authenticated app.
Hidden cost drag compounds with revenue growth — if delivery costs are rising faster than output, margin compression accelerates even without new hires or spend increases.
The exact thresholds, the formula, and your own figures are in the authenticated app. See it against a real, simulated dataset for Integra Executive Services, our public demo company, or connect your own QuickBooks Online account.