diff --git a/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/SKILL.md b/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/SKILL.md
index 521111db32..840d8741dc 100644
--- a/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/SKILL.md
+++ b/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/SKILL.md
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ LiteLLM requires provider prefixes on model names:
 
 1. **Run initialization script**:
    ```bash
-   python .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension/scripts/init_llm_adapter.py \
+   python .claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/init_llm_adapter.py \
      --provider newprovider \
      --name "New Provider" \
      --description "New Provider LLM adapter" \
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ LiteLLM requires provider prefixes on model names:
 
 1. **Run initialization script**:
    ```bash
-   python .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension/scripts/init_embedding_adapter.py \
+   python .claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/init_embedding_adapter.py \
      --provider newprovider \
      --name "New Provider" \
      --description "New Provider embedding adapter" \
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ LiteLLM requires provider prefixes on model names:
 
 3. **Run management script** for automated updates:
    ```bash
-   python .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension/scripts/manage_models.py \
+   python .claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/manage_models.py \
      --adapter llm \
      --provider openai \
      --action add \
@@ -238,17 +238,17 @@ Compare existing adapter schemas against known LiteLLM features to identify pote
 1. **Run the update checker**:
    ```bash
    # Check all adapters
-   python .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py
+   python .claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py
 
    # Check specific adapter type
-   python .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py --adapter llm
-   python .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py --adapter embedding
+   python .claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py --adapter llm
+   python .claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py --adapter embedding
 
    # Check specific provider
-   python .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py --provider openai
+   python .claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py --provider openai
 
    # Output as JSON
-   python .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py --json
+   python .claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py --json
    ```
 
 2. **Review the report**:
@@ -278,7 +278,8 @@ Before submitting adapter changes:
 - [ ] Adapter class inherits from correct parameter class AND `BaseAdapter`
 - [ ] `get_id()` returns unique `{provider}|{uuid}` format
 - [ ] `get_metadata()` returns dict with `name`, `version`, `adapter`, `description`, `is_active`
-- [ ] **CRITICAL: `get_provider()` returns value matching `litellm_provider` in LiteLLM pricing data** (see below)
+- [ ] `get_provider()` matches the static JSON filename (`static/{get_provider()}.json`)
+- [ ] **CRITICAL: the model string produced by `validate_model()` resolves in LiteLLM's cost map** (see below)
 - [ ] `get_adapter_type()` returns correct `AdapterTypes.LLM` or `AdapterTypes.EMBEDDING`
 - [ ] JSON schema has `adapter_name` as required field
 - [ ] `validate()` method adds correct model prefix
@@ -286,43 +287,85 @@ Before submitting adapter changes:
 - [ ] All static methods decorated with `@staticmethod`
 - [ ] Icon path follows pattern `/icons/adapter-icons/{Name}.png`
 
-### Provider Name Verification (MANDATORY)
+### Model Prefix Verification (MANDATORY)
 
-The `get_provider()` return value is used for **cost calculation**. It MUST match the `litellm_provider` field in LiteLLM's pricing data, otherwise costs will show as $0.
+Cost is looked up from the **validated model string**, not from `get_provider()`. The string
+that `validate_model()` produces (e.g. `mistral/mistral-embed`) is passed straight to
+`litellm.cost_per_token()`. If LiteLLM's cost map has no entry for it, the lookup raises, the
+exception is swallowed, and usage records **$0**.
 
-**Before implementing any adapter, verify the provider name:**
+The lookup sites:
 
-```bash
-# Fetch LiteLLM pricing data and check provider name
-curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/BerriAI/litellm/main/model_prices_and_context_window.json | \
-  jq 'to_entries | map(select(.value.litellm_provider != null)) |
-      map({key: .key, provider: .value.litellm_provider}) |
-      unique_by(.provider) |
-      sort_by(.provider) |
-      .[].provider' | sort -u
-```
+| Path | Site |
+|------|------|
+| LLM | `unstract/sdk1/src/unstract/sdk1/audit.py` — `cost_per_token(model=model_name)` |
+| Embedding | `unstract/sdk1/src/unstract/sdk1/usage_handler.py` — `litellm.cost_per_token(...)` |
+
+`model_name` is `self._cost_model or self.kwargs["model"]` — the prefixed string. Both call
+sites catch every exception and fall back to `0.0`, so a miss is **silent**. It will not fail a
+test, a build, or a run. The only symptom is revenue-affecting: zero-cost usage rows.
+
+**Before implementing any adapter, verify the prefix resolves.** Use the pinned LiteLLM in the
+sdk1 venv rather than curling upstream JSON — the pinned version is what actually runs:
 
-**Common provider name mappings:**
-| Display Name | `get_provider()` Value | LiteLLM Provider |
-|--------------|------------------------|------------------|
-| OpenAI | `openai` | `openai` |
-| Anthropic | `anthropic` | `anthropic` |
-| Azure OpenAI | `azure` | `azure` |
-| Azure AI Foundry | `azure_ai` | `azure_ai` |
-| AWS Bedrock | `bedrock` | `bedrock` |
-| Google VertexAI | `vertex_ai` | `vertex_ai` |
-| Mistral | `mistral` | `mistral` |
-| Ollama | `ollama` | `ollama` |
-
-**Example verification for Azure AI Foundry:**
 ```bash
-curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/BerriAI/litellm/main/model_prices_and_context_window.json | \
-  jq 'to_entries | map(select(.key | startswith("azure_ai"))) | .[0].value.litellm_provider'
-# Output: "azure_ai"  (NOT "azure_ai_foundry")
+cd unstract/sdk1 && uv run python -c "
+import litellm
+from litellm import cost_per_token
+
+# 1. Does LiteLLM have a native provider for this vendor?
+print([p for p in litellm.provider_list if 'YOUR_VENDOR' in str(p).lower()])
+
+# 2. Which of its models are priced?
+print([k for k in litellm.model_cost if k.lower().startswith('YOUR_PROVIDER/')])
+
+# 3. Does the string your validate_model() emits actually resolve?
+for m in ['YOUR_PROVIDER/some-model', 'custom_openai/some-model']:
+    try:
+        print(m, cost_per_token(model=m, prompt_tokens=1_000_000, completion_tokens=1_000_000))
+    except Exception as e:
+        print(m, 'RAISES', type(e).__name__, '=> cost silently recorded as 0.0')
+"
 ```
 
-**Why this matters:**
-The cost calculation in `platform-service/src/unstract/platform_service/helper/cost_calculation.py` filters models by checking if the provider string is contained in `litellm_provider`. A mismatch (e.g., returning `"azure_ai_foundry"` when LiteLLM uses `"azure_ai"`) causes the cost lookup to fail silently, returning $0.
+**Branded OpenAI-compatible adapters: pick the right base class.**
+
+Many vendors speak the OpenAI wire protocol, which tempts you to subclass
+`OpenAICompatibleLLMParameters` and just pin `api_base`. But its `validate_model()`
+unconditionally prepends `custom_openai/`, and **nothing** in LiteLLM's cost map is keyed that
+way. That silently forfeits cost tracking.
+
+| If… | Then | Cost tracking |
+|-----|------|---------------|
+| LiteLLM has a native provider for the vendor | Extend `BaseChatCompletionParameters`, emit `{provider}/{model}` — follow `OpenRouterLLMParameters` | ✅ resolves |
+| LiteLLM has **no** priced models for the vendor | Extend `OpenAICompatibleLLMParameters`, pin `api_base` — follow `NvidiaBuildLLMParameters` | ⚠️ $0 either way, nothing forfeited |
+
+`NvidiaBuildLLMParameters` is only a safe template because LiteLLM prices zero `nvidia_nim/`
+chat models — there is no cost to lose. Do not copy that shape for a vendor LiteLLM *does*
+price. Check first with the snippet above.
+
+**What `get_provider()` is actually for:**
+
+1. Resolving the static schema path — `{type}1/static/{get_provider()}.json` (case-sensitive `open()`).
+2. The `provider` column on the usage row (`audit.py`) — metadata only, not used for pricing.
+
+Keeping it equal to LiteLLM's `litellm_provider` value is still good hygiene, and matters when
+you route natively (the prefix and the provider name coincide). But a correct `get_provider()`
+does **not** on its own guarantee cost resolution — a branded adapter can return `"minimax"`,
+match `litellm_provider` exactly, and still bill $0 because its model string carries the
+`custom_openai/` prefix.
+
+**Common provider names:**
+| Display Name | `get_provider()` Value |
+|--------------|------------------------|
+| OpenAI | `openai` |
+| Anthropic | `anthropic` |
+| Azure OpenAI | `azure` |
+| Azure AI Foundry | `azure_ai` |
+| AWS Bedrock | `bedrock` |
+| Google VertexAI | `vertex_ai` |
+| Mistral | `mistral` |
+| Ollama | `ollama` |
 
 ## Maintenance Workflow
 
@@ -332,7 +375,7 @@ Periodic maintenance to keep adapters current with LiteLLM features:
 
 1. **Run the update checker**:
    ```bash
-   python .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py
+   python .claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/check_adapter_updates.py
    ```
 
 2. **Review LiteLLM changelog** for new provider features:
diff --git a/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/references/adapter_patterns.md b/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/references/adapter_patterns.md
index a3b200335b..9bab1d5ea1 100644
--- a/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/references/adapter_patterns.md
+++ b/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/references/adapter_patterns.md
@@ -568,48 +568,87 @@ print(schema)
 4. **Missing `is_active: True`** - Adapter won't be registered without it
 5. **Wrong inheritance order** - Parameter class must come before BaseAdapter
 6. **Incorrect provider in get_provider()** - Must match filename and schema path
-7. **Provider name not matching LiteLLM pricing data** - Causes $0 cost calculation (see below)
+7. **Model prefix not resolving in LiteLLM's cost map** - Causes silent $0 cost calculation (see below)
 
-## Provider Name Verification (CRITICAL)
+## Model Prefix Verification (CRITICAL)
 
-The `get_provider()` return value MUST match the `litellm_provider` field in LiteLLM's pricing JSON. A mismatch causes cost calculation to silently fail, returning $0.
+Cost is derived from the **validated model string**, not from `get_provider()`. Whatever
+`validate_model()` emits is handed to `litellm.cost_per_token()`. No cost-map entry means the
+call raises, the exception is swallowed, and the usage row records $0.
+
+### Cost Calculation Flow
+
+1. **Usage recording**: `LLM._record_usage()` logs tokens (no cost math here).
+2. **Cost lookup**:
+   - LLM → `Audit.push_usage_data()` → `cost_per_token(model=model_name)` in `audit.py`
+   - Embedding → `UsageHandler` → `litellm.cost_per_token(...)` in `usage_handler.py`
+   - `model_name` is `self._cost_model or self.kwargs["model"]` — the **prefixed** string.
+3. **Failure mode**: both call sites wrap the lookup in a bare `except` and fall back to
+   `cost_in_dollars = 0.0`, logged at `debug`/`warning`.
+
+The `provider` value travels alongside the usage payload and lands in the `provider` DB column.
+It is **not** consulted for pricing.
+
+Because the failure is swallowed, nothing breaks loudly. Tests pass. Runs succeed. Usage rows
+just quietly say $0.
 
 ### How to Verify
 
-**Before implementing any new adapter:**
+Query the pinned LiteLLM in the sdk1 venv — that's the version that actually runs:
 
 ```bash
-# Step 1: Identify the correct provider name from LiteLLM pricing data
-curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/BerriAI/litellm/main/model_prices_and_context_window.json | \
-  jq 'to_entries | map(select(.key | startswith("YOUR_PROVIDER"))) | .[0].value.litellm_provider'
-
-# Step 2: Use that exact value in get_provider()
+cd unstract/sdk1 && uv run python -c "
+import litellm
+from litellm import cost_per_token
+
+print([p for p in litellm.provider_list if 'YOUR_VENDOR' in str(p).lower()])
+print([k for k in litellm.model_cost if k.lower().startswith('YOUR_PROVIDER/')])
+
+for m in ['YOUR_PROVIDER/some-model', 'custom_openai/some-model']:
+    try:
+        print(m, cost_per_token(model=m, prompt_tokens=1_000_000, completion_tokens=1_000_000))
+    except Exception:
+        print(m, 'RAISES => cost silently recorded as 0.0')
+"
 ```
 
-### Real Example: Azure AI Foundry Bug
+### Real Example: the `custom_openai/` trap
 
-**Wrong implementation (caused $0 costs):**
-```python
-@staticmethod
-def get_provider() -> str:
-    return "azure_ai_foundry"  # WRONG - doesn't match litellm_provider
-```
+A vendor speaking the OpenAI wire protocol invites subclassing
+`OpenAICompatibleLLMParameters` and pinning `api_base`. That class's `validate_model()`
+unconditionally prepends `custom_openai/`, and **no** LiteLLM cost-map key uses that prefix.
 
-**Correct implementation:**
 ```python
-@staticmethod
-def get_provider() -> str:
-    return "azure_ai"  # CORRECT - matches litellm_provider in pricing data
+# Vendor has a native LiteLLM provider AND priced models.
+# WRONG - emits "custom_openai/MiniMax-M3", which is not in the cost map -> $0
+class MiniMaxLLMParameters(OpenAICompatibleLLMParameters):
+    api_base: str = "https://api.minimax.io/v1"
+
+# CORRECT - emits "minimax/MiniMax-M3", priced at $0.30 / $1.20 per 1M tokens
+class MiniMaxLLMParameters(BaseChatCompletionParameters):
+    ...  # follow OpenRouterLLMParameters
 ```
 
-**How the bug was found:**
-```bash
-# Check what LiteLLM actually uses for azure_ai models
-curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/BerriAI/litellm/main/model_prices_and_context_window.json | \
-  jq 'to_entries | map(select(.key | startswith("azure_ai"))) | .[0]'
+Note that `get_provider()` returns `"minimax"` in *both* cases and matches `litellm_provider`
+exactly. The provider string was never the problem — the model prefix was.
 
-# Output shows: "litellm_provider": "azure_ai" (NOT "azure_ai_foundry")
-```
+### Choosing a base class
+
+| If… | Then | Cost tracking |
+|-----|------|---------------|
+| LiteLLM has a native provider for the vendor | `BaseChatCompletionParameters`, emit `{provider}/{model}` — see `OpenRouterLLMParameters` | ✅ resolves |
+| LiteLLM has **no** priced models for the vendor | `OpenAICompatibleLLMParameters`, pin `api_base` — see `NvidiaBuildLLMParameters` | ⚠️ $0 regardless, nothing forfeited |
+
+`NvidiaBuildLLMParameters` is a safe template *only because* LiteLLM prices zero `nvidia_nim/`
+chat models. Don't copy its shape for a vendor LiteLLM prices — verify first.
+
+### What `get_provider()` is for
+
+1. Resolving the static schema path: `{type}1/static/{get_provider()}.json` (case-sensitive).
+2. The `provider` column on the usage row — metadata only.
+
+Match it to LiteLLM's `litellm_provider` for hygiene and because it coincides with the prefix
+when routing natively. But it does not, by itself, guarantee cost resolution.
 
 ### Provider Name Reference
 
@@ -623,14 +662,3 @@ curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/BerriAI/litellm/main/model_prices_and_
 | Google VertexAI | `vertex_ai` |
 | Mistral | `mistral` |
 | Ollama | `ollama` |
-
-### Cost Calculation Flow
-
-Understanding why this matters:
-
-1. **Usage Recording**: `LLM._record_usage()` → `Audit.push_usage_data(provider=get_provider())`
-2. **Platform Service**: Receives provider name with usage data
-3. **Cost Lookup**: `CostCalculationHelper` checks `provider in model_info.get("litellm_provider", "")`
-4. **Result**: If check fails, returns `cost = 0`
-
-The check `"azure_ai_foundry" in "azure_ai"` returns `False`, causing silent failure.
diff --git a/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/references/provider_capabilities.md b/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/references/provider_capabilities.md
index 4a004abae4..45ea99ee1b 100644
--- a/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/references/provider_capabilities.md
+++ b/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/references/provider_capabilities.md
@@ -148,14 +148,21 @@ curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/BerriAI/litellm/main/model_prices_and_
 ### Why This Matters
 
 The cost calculation flow:
-1. `LLM._record_usage()` calls `Audit.push_usage_data()` with provider from `get_provider()`
-2. Platform service receives usage data with provider name
-3. `CostCalculationHelper.calculate_cost()` filters models where `provider in litellm_provider`
-4. If no match found, cost = $0
-
-**Example bug**: If `get_provider()` returns `"azure_ai_foundry"` but LiteLLM uses `"azure_ai"`:
-- Check: `"azure_ai_foundry" in "azure_ai"` = `False`
-- Result: Cost calculation returns $0
+1. `LLM._record_usage()` logs tokens — no cost math.
+2. `Audit.push_usage_data()` (LLM) / `UsageHandler` (embedding) calls
+   `litellm.cost_per_token(model=model_name)`, where `model_name` is the **prefixed** model
+   string emitted by `validate_model()`.
+3. No cost-map entry for that string → the call raises → the bare `except` records $0.
+
+The `provider` value from `get_provider()` rides along into the usage row's `provider` column
+but is **not** used for pricing.
+
+**Example bug**: a branded OpenAI-compatible adapter emits `custom_openai/MiniMax-M3`. LiteLLM
+prices `minimax/MiniMax-M3` but has no `custom_openai/` keys, so cost silently resolves to $0 —
+even though `get_provider()` correctly returns `"minimax"`.
+
+See `references/adapter_patterns.md` → *Model Prefix Verification* for how to choose a base
+class so the prefix resolves.
 
 ## Models Supporting Advanced Features
 
diff --git a/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/init_embedding_adapter.py b/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/init_embedding_adapter.py
index 0122c39ed7..9835d79233 100755
--- a/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/init_embedding_adapter.py
+++ b/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/init_embedding_adapter.py
@@ -25,9 +25,7 @@
 SCRIPT_DIR = Path(__file__).parent
 SKILL_DIR = SCRIPT_DIR.parent
 # Find the sdk1 adapters directory relative to the repo root
-REPO_ROOT = (
-    SKILL_DIR.parent.parent.parent
-)  # .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension -> repo root
+REPO_ROOT = SKILL_DIR.parent.parent.parent  # .claude/skills/adapter-ops -> repo root
 SDK1_ADAPTERS = REPO_ROOT / "unstract" / "sdk1" / "src" / "unstract" / "sdk1" / "adapters"
 ICONS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "frontend" / "public" / "icons" / "adapter-icons"
 
diff --git a/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/init_llm_adapter.py b/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/init_llm_adapter.py
index 8226f69eeb..828e04c3dc 100755
--- a/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/init_llm_adapter.py
+++ b/.claude/skills/adapter-ops/scripts/init_llm_adapter.py
@@ -26,9 +26,7 @@
 SCRIPT_DIR = Path(__file__).parent
 SKILL_DIR = SCRIPT_DIR.parent
 # Find the sdk1 adapters directory relative to the repo root
-REPO_ROOT = (
-    SKILL_DIR.parent.parent.parent
-)  # .claude/skills/unstract-adapter-extension -> repo root
+REPO_ROOT = SKILL_DIR.parent.parent.parent  # .claude/skills/adapter-ops -> repo root
 SDK1_ADAPTERS = REPO_ROOT / "unstract" / "sdk1" / "src" / "unstract" / "sdk1" / "adapters"
 ICONS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "frontend" / "public" / "icons" / "adapter-icons"