How can you integrate BSS and OSS systems?
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BSS and OSS are two essential components of any telecommunication service provider's operations. BSS stands for business support systems, which handle customer-facing functions such as billing, order management, and service provisioning. OSS stands for operational support systems, which manage network-related functions such as fault management, performance monitoring, and configuration management. Integrating BSS and OSS systems can help service providers improve their efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation. In this article, we will discuss how you can integrate BSS and OSS systems using some common methods and best practices.
One of the main challenges of integrating BSS and OSS systems is ensuring that the data exchanged between them is accurate, consistent, and timely. Data synchronization is the process of aligning the data stored in different systems so that they reflect the same information. For example, if a customer changes their service plan or address, the BSS system should update the OSS system accordingly, and vice versa. Data synchronization can be achieved by using various techniques, such as batch processing, event-driven messaging, or real-time APIs. The choice of technique depends on factors such as the volume and frequency of data, the complexity and reliability of the systems, and the business requirements.
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Sandie Yumul
Business Owner at SCY Construction Services
I may say, the trending now to integrate OSS and BSS is to gather businesses and or forming a group of companies to handle several services and functions that applies for integrating OSS and BSS most significantly in Telco industry. One business/company is handling data centers, others involved in customer support such as call centers and the like. Other companies are expert in providing excellent billing systems and one is providing HR services and with all these functions and services can be integrated into one OSS/BSS. As handling of telco networks and its data evolves, the business functions also need to be gradually developed as well to address specific functions or areas in OSS/BSS as a backbone system.
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Viswesvaran D
Indépendant Consultant
OSS and BSS A perfect linkage between a business deal to successful order implementation, extending Support till customer billing cycle . A full 360 degree offering these both can deliver . A complex one in the initial stages till a robust process has been captured . But once a business process tried,tested end to end thee will be a customer excellence feel To arrest solos these system,tools, reports are built with the tune of Organisation goals . Business .. Revenue and Profits Operation ..Efficient Fulfillment of customer expectations. It is very collaborative effort and needs constant feedback and interaction and aim for continuos improvements . Over all Telecom Quality Standards maintained throught the customer lifecycle.
Another challenge of integrating BSS and OSS systems is coordinating the workflows and tasks that span across them. Process orchestration is the process of automating and managing the execution of complex business processes that involve multiple systems, applications, and actors. For example, when a customer requests a new service, the BSS system should initiate a process that involves the OSS system, the network equipment, the service delivery team, and the billing system. Process orchestration can be achieved by using various tools, such as workflow engines, business rules engines, or service orchestration platforms. The choice of tool depends on factors such as the level of flexibility, scalability, and visibility of the processes.
A third challenge of integrating BSS and OSS systems is leveraging the data generated by them to gain insights and optimize performance. Data analytics is the process of collecting, processing, and analyzing data from different sources to discover patterns, trends, and anomalies. For example, by combining data from the BSS and OSS systems, service providers can identify customer segments, network issues, service quality, and revenue opportunities. Data analytics can be achieved by using various methods, such as data warehousing, data mining, or machine learning. The choice of method depends on factors such as the type and volume of data, the complexity and accuracy of the analysis, and the business objectives.
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Stelios Christodoulou
A necessary step is to collect both OSS and BSS data on the same Data Warehouse or Data Lake. Then it will be possible to join datasets from the two domains, provided on both sides there is the same unique identifier to join on , e.g. IMSI. Beware that e.g. on the BSS side the timestamps might be based on start and end of a call, whereas the OSS data might be on regular intervals e.g. every minute. Also the billable bytes, chargeable duration of a call etc. values from BSS, will not necessarily be the same with the "over the air" bytes, actual duration for which resources were allocated for a call etc.
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A fourth challenge of integrating BSS and OSS systems is choosing the right technology and architecture to support the integration. Integration platforms are software solutions that provide the infrastructure and capabilities to connect, synchronize, orchestrate, and analyze data from different systems. For example, an integration platform can offer features such as data transformation, routing, security, monitoring, and reporting. Integration platforms can be classified into different types, such as enterprise service bus (ESB), integration platform as a service (iPaaS), or hybrid integration platform (HIP). The choice of platform depends on factors such as the scope and scale of the integration, the existing and future systems, and the budget and resources.
A fifth challenge of integrating BSS and OSS systems is defining the vision and roadmap for the integration. Integration strategies are the plans and policies that guide the integration efforts and align them with the business goals and priorities. For example, an integration strategy can define the scope and objectives of the integration, the key stakeholders and roles, the governance and standards, the risks and mitigation, and the metrics and evaluation. Integration strategies can be formulated using various frameworks, such as the integration maturity model, the integration competency center, or the integration value proposition. The choice of framework depends on factors such as the current and desired state of the integration, the organizational culture and readiness, and the market and competitive forces.