I think this may be a seminal event in the maturation of TEM applications.
From a process standpoint you will now be able to capture and maintain key ordering and billing information on a single enterprise platform instead of mutiple, typically siloed, applications. multiple unconnected business processes and the velocity of service transactions are the primary reasons telecom managers lose visibility into what they are spending and create the real fuel for budgetary loss. Having a method of capturing key service data one time which demands a high level of accuracy is a significant improvement over saved voicemails, post it notes and endless emails.

It also should be able to provide the ability to isolate billing errors on the other end of the process. And along with that create shorter dispute cycles and a whole new wayt to scorecard vendors.

There are certainly challenges that lie ahead. Embedded inventories will need to be added; retrofitting exisiting TEM applications; re-enginnering business procesess and staff training, and obviously parallel ubiquity of approach from AT&T and other major carriers. These are all significant mountains yet to climb. but this is really a seminal event in how enterprises will manage telecom inventories and expense in the future.

Steve Perkins
Independent TEM Consultant
TeleFirma

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