Glossary terms

Ledger entry
One financial event, append-only. Carries transaction ID, type, status, amount in RM, linked project, SOW version, milestone or variation order, payer/payee and timestamps. Posted entries are never edited or deleted.
Escrow balance
Always derived, never stored: sum(deposits) − sum(releases) − sum(retention held), adjusted for refunds and reversals.
SOW version
The sealed scope of works at a point in time. Every applied variation order produces a new version; earlier versions stay readable forever.
Variation order (VO)
A first-class finance object: create → submit → dual customer and contractor approval → applied. Rejected VOs remain visible permanently.
Certification
An accredited panel certifier confirming a milestone. The only action that causes money to move.
Retention
A percentage held back on each certified release and released at handover.
Drawdown
A facility provider funding project escrow from an approved facility limit, simulated in the facility portal.
Sub-ledger
The per-project position inside the trustee's pooled custody account.