A Billing Stream in ToolWatch is a record of an active charge that begins when a tool is assigned to a Cost Center and continues until that charge is stopped. ToolWatch manages these streams to ensure accurate and automated Job Cost and Billing.
How a Billing Stream Begins
A Billing Stream begins automatically when a tool is transferred from a Stock Location (such as the Main Warehouse) to a non-stock point (such as a job site) that has a Cost Center assigned. Once the stream opens, ToolWatch tracks usage and calculates charges based on the tool's Rate Sheet.
How Billing Streams Close
Billing streams can be closed automatically through physical movement or manually through the software interface.
Automatic Closure
A Billing Stream closes automatically when:
The tool is returned to the original Stock Location.
The tool is transferred to a new location with a different Cost Center.
Note: When a stream closes, ToolWatch stops calculating charges for the original Cost Center. If a new Cost Center is involved, a new Billing Stream opens immediately.
Manual Closure
You can now manually stop a charge while the tool remains on-site.
Go to Job Cost and Billing > Billing Browser.
Check the box next to one or more line items you wish to stop.
Select Actions > Close.
Choose the date you want to stop the charges in the pop-up and click Save.
Note: To close multiple streams at once, all selected items must have similar charge types.
Related article: Stopping Job Cost & Billing Charges
Billing Stream Behavior Summary
Action | Billing Stream Status |
Transfer from Stock to Job with Cost Center | Stream opens |
Return to original Stock Location | Stream closes |
Transfer between sites with a new Cost Center | Stream closes and a new stream opens |
Manual Close in Billing Browser | Stream closes |
Tool remains at the same location | Stream stays open |
ToolWatch uses streams to ensure each tool is charged only while it’s assigned to an active job or Cost Center.
Why This Matters
Billing Streams prevent:
Untracked tool usage
Duplicate charges from overlapping assignments
Charges from continuing after tools are returned
They are essential for accurate, Rate Sheet-based Job Cost and Billing workflows.