Page 357 - Handbook of Modern Telecommunications

3-148 CRC Handbook of Modern Telecommunications, Second Edition

Principal functions are:

• Mediate Usage Records: Validate, normalize, convert, and correlate usage records collected from
the resource layer. These processes also group usage records that relate to a specific service usage.
• Rate Usage Records: Identify and apply tariffs and charging algorithms to specific parameters encap-
sulated in usage records, in order to produce a charge that is then inserted in the usage record.
• Apply Rating Rules: Apply the correct rating rules to usage data on a customer-by-customer basis,
as required.
• Apply Discounts: Apply any discounts agreed to as part of the ordering process, and any promo-
tional discounts and charges.
• Analyze Usage Records: Generate reports on usage records based on requests from other pro-
cesses. These processes produce reports that may identify abnormalities, which may be caused by
fraudulent activity or related to customer complaints.

3.6.6 Resource Management and Operations (RM&O)

Resource Management and Operations functional processes maintain knowledge of resources (applica-
tion, computing, and network infrastructures) and is responsible for managing all these resources (e.g.,
networks, IT systems, servers, routers, etc.) utilized to deliver and support services required by or pro-
posed to customers. It also includes all functionalities responsible for the direct management of all such
resources (network elements, computers, servers, etc.) utilized within the enterprise. These processes
are responsible for ensuring that the network and information technologies infrastructure supports the
end-to-end delivery of the required services. These processes ensure that infrastructure runs smoothly,
is accessible to services and employees, is maintained, and is responsive to the needs, whether directly
or indirectly, of services, customers, and employees. RM&O also has the basic function to assemble
information about the resources (e.g., from network elements and/or element management systems),
and then integrate, correlate, and in many cases, summarize that data to pass on the relevant informa-
tion to Service Management systems, or to take action in the appropriate resource.
The Resource Management and Operations processes manage both service provider networks/sub-
networks and information technology architectures.
Resource Management is often referred to as Network and System Management.

3.6.6.1 Inventory Management Process
This process works on the Resource Management and Operations level, and supports mainly Assurance,
but also Fulfillment and Billing.
This process encompasses anything to do with physical equipment and the administration of this
equipment. The process is involved in the installation and acceptance of equipment, with the physical
configuration of the network, but also with handling of spare parts and the repair process. Software
upgrades are also a responsibility of this process.
In recent years, the need for accurate inventory has become even more critical, as wireless operators
roll out a variety of new services, wireline operators seek to realize cost savings through back-office
consolidation, multiple services are offered over IP transport, and triple- and quad-play offerings drive
significantly increased network and service complexity.
Despite the importance of inventory to a service provider’s business, maintaining inventory data that
accurately reflects real assets in place remains a challenge to many service providers. Depending on the
line of business, inventory accuracy can be as low as 40%, and many service providers report accura-
cies around the 80% mark. For this reason, many are focusing on inventory management as a strategic
imperative, realizing that it is time to “finally get it right.”
Inventory management is in a period of transition and growth. As with many OSSs/BSSs, inventory
systems are moving from solutions addressing a single “point of pain” to integrated, open solutions