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Costing & Architecture10 min readPublished 2026-09-18

Co-Products and By-Products: Revenue Allocation in Process ERPs

Learn how to split joint manufacturing costs across multiple simultaneous outputs using Net Realizable Value (NRV) and physical volume allocation methods.

AK

Abhishek Kumar

Senior Finance & ERP Systems Architect, Werkora

Werkora performance module — cost and variance reporting
AEO Quick Answer & Key Takeaway

When a single chemical refining or dairy processing run yields multiple outputs simultaneously (e.g., crude oil yielding diesel, petrol, and asphalt), costs incurred before the split-off point must be equitably divided. Werkora uses Net Realizable Value (NRV) or physical measure methods to allocate joint costs accurately.

The Joint Cost Allocation Challenge

In dairy processing, raw milk enters separator centrifuges and splits into cream and skim milk. Before the split-off point, raw milk procurement and pasteurization costs are shared. Determining the cost per liter of cream versus skim milk requires clear mathematical allocation rules.

Defining Co-Products vs By-Products

Co-products carry significant commercial value and justify the manufacturing run. By-products are low-value secondary materials generated unavoidably. Failing to distinguish between them skews inventory valuation on corporate financial statements.

NRV vs Physical Volume Allocation Methods

Werkora provides configurable joint cost allocation engines: physical volume (kilograms or liters produced) or Relative Sales Value at Split-Off / Net Realizable Value (NRV), ensuring gross margins reflect true economic contributions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Answers for Factory Operations

What is the difference between a co-product and a by-product?

Co-products are primary outputs of substantial commercial value; by-products are incidental minor outputs with low economic value (e.g., sawdust in timber milling).

How does Werkora account for by-product revenues?

Werkora deducts by-product net sales value directly from joint process costs, lowering the net production cost of the primary co-products.

AK

Abhishek Kumar

LinkedIn Profile

Senior Finance & ERP Systems Architect, Werkora

Senior accountant and enterprise systems specialist with 9+ years of experience across Indian GST/TDS compliance, SAP S/4HANA, Tally Prime, and finance automation. Direct operational background in precision instruments manufacturing and multi-jurisdictional statutory compliance with a zero-penalty record.

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Interactive Cost Comparison

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Benchmark your current software bills against Werkora's unit-based pricing (10 users/unit · min 3 units).

Projected 3-Year Savings for Your Operation (3 Factory Units · 30 Users)

Save up to ₹6.8 Lakhs over 3 years

Compared to standard per-user seat pricing models like ERPNext ($13.50/user/mo).

Each unit includes 10 active user seats (Operations, Store, Accounts, Planning).

3

Base commitment minimum is 3 units (30 user seats total).

Commitment Term:

Werkora Plan

Werkora

₹14,997/mo (3 Units · 30 Seats)

Annual Cost

₹1,79,964

3-Year TCO

₹5,39,892

30 user seats (3 units × 10)

ERPNext Cloud

$13.50 / user / mo

Annual Cost (30 Users)

₹4,05,816

3-Year TCO

₹12,17,448

Save ₹6.8 Lakhs

TYASuite

₹499 / user / mo (~$6)

Annual Cost (30 Users)

₹1,79,640

3-Year TCO

₹5,38,920

Save ₹0

Zoho Creator

$8 / user / mo

Annual Cost (30 Users)

₹2,40,480

3-Year TCO

₹7,21,440

Save ₹1.8 Lakhs

SAP Business One

$50+ / user / mo

Annual Cost (30 Users)

₹15,03,000

3-Year TCO

₹45,09,000

Save ₹39.7 Lakhs

What's Included in Werkora's Plan (from ₹4,999/unit/mo · Min 3 Units):

10 Users per Factory Unit (30 Users in Base)
Minimum 3 Factory Units Included
GST Tax Invoices & Delivery Challans
BOM Formulation & Scrap Accounting
Customer, Supplier & Ledger Accounting
Batch FIFO Inventory Valuation
Shop Floor Travelers & Operation Routing
Extra Units at ₹4,999/mo (+10 users each)

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