> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.seemoredata.io/external-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.seemoredata.io/external-docs/fundamentals/our-features/waste-reduction.md).

# Waste Reduction

Identify and eliminate wasted spend across your data infrastructure — from orphan tables and unused pipelines to over-scheduled refreshes and idle BI licenses.

Seemore continuously analyzes your Snowflake environment to surface concrete savings opportunities across storage, compute, and licensing. Each insight includes estimated annual savings so you can prioritize high-impact actions.

***

## Orphan Tables

Tables and views with **no pipeline connections and zero query activity** over the analysis window. Dropping them reclaims storage and reduces clutter.

{% content-ref url="/pages/hmPDjT1vTDLqMGYrjGor" %}
[Orphan Tables](/external-docs/fundamentals/our-features/waste-reduction/orphan-tables.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Unused Data Flows

Tables that are **actively written to by pipelines but never read**. The upstream pipeline spend is pure waste.

{% content-ref url="/pages/Ff5kUKbxA44YOvbg0ZIR" %}
[Unused Data Flows](/external-docs/fundamentals/our-features/waste-reduction/unused-data-flows.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Frequency Optimization

Tables whose **write frequency far exceeds their read frequency**. Reducing refresh cadence saves compute without affecting consumers.

{% content-ref url="/pages/O6ObPyrtrWwZpK6cOmXJ" %}
[Frequency Optimization](/external-docs/fundamentals/our-features/waste-reduction/frequency-optimization.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Inactive Users

BI platform users (Tableau, PowerBI) who have **not logged in within a configurable threshold**. Reclaiming their licenses reduces subscription costs.

{% content-ref url="/pages/o6dpFF6JiTg4LXy23Yaa" %}
[Inactive Users](/external-docs/fundamentals/our-features/waste-reduction/inactive-users.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Compute Idle Optimization

Warehouses kept alive by **high-frequency queries that prevent auto-suspend**. Reducing query frequency or adjusting auto-suspend settings reclaims idle compute spend.

{% content-ref url="/pages/vO825M1cBmlkaeNbOIGZ" %}
[Compute Idle Optimization](/external-docs/fundamentals/our-features/waste-reduction/compute-idle-optimization.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

## Exclude Users from Usage

Service accounts, ETL bots, and monitoring tools can generate significant query activity that inflates usage metrics. The **Exclude Users from Usage** setting lets you filter these users out of usage calculations so insights reflect real human consumption patterns.

### How to Configure

1. Navigate to **Waste Reduction → Insights Configuration** (top-right button).
2. Select the Snowflake integration you want to configure.
3. Check the users you want to exclude from usage calculations.
4. Click **Save**.

<figure><img src="https://3620459840-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnSbIoBjUxWTGNWa9gGw7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f06141f37d14cef7650955ab5d31e8c0f5a30869%2Fexclude-users-walkthrough.gif?alt=media" alt="Walkthrough: excluding users from usage calculations"><figcaption><p>Walkthrough: excluding users from usage calculations</p></figcaption></figure>

### Which Insights Are Affected

| Insight                       | Affected? | Details                                                                                                              |
| ----------------------------- | --------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Orphan Tables**             | Yes       | Excluded users' queries are ignored when determining whether a table has usage.                                      |
| **Unused Data Flows**         | Yes       | Excluded users' reads are ignored, so tables read only by bots still appear as unused.                               |
| **Frequency Optimization**    | Yes       | The Snowflake queries that detect write-heavy / read-light patterns filter out excluded users.                       |
| **Inactive Users**            | No        | This insight queries BI platform login activity, not Snowflake usage.                                                |
| **Compute Idle Optimization** | No        | This insight evaluates warehouse-level uptime patterns; all query activity (including service accounts) is relevant. |

{% hint style="info" %}
Changes take effect the next time insights are recalculated (typically within 24 hours).
{% endhint %}