• Order Management begins with the order entry function which uses order capture screens and logic to record the details of the customer’s request.
• The product catalog maintains the list of currently available products and services.
• The pricing and rating function maintains the list of available rate plans, discounts and bundles.
• The service request management function coordinates the tasks required to complete fulfillment of the order. This includes interfaces to outside parties, for instance to set up service with other service providers.
• Number administration handles management of the available telephone number pool.
• Facilities management keeps track of provisionable network resources, to ensure availability for delivering on customer service requests.
• The self-serve function allows customers to initiate their own orders in a controlled environment over the Internet.
   

The following describes the functions of the extensive Order Management module in more detail. Please contact Sigma directly for more information.

• Order Capture
  Order management begins with a customer call and CSR typing in a new order. Comprehensive order capture screens, fields and logic are used to record the details of customer requests, including product and pricing information, features, configuration details, due dates and special instructions.
• Product Catalog
  The product catalog is the complete list of products and services available to subscribers, including core offerings, special time-limited promotions, and discounted bundles. OmniCare screens, queries, reports, and schemas have been pre-configured to handle the features of all major telecom service categories offered by operators and resellers today: local, long distance, centrex, toll-free, calling card, internet, wireless, data, and video services. Most recently, Sigma has enhanced OmniCare with essential VoIP (Voice over IP) management capabilities, aimed at next-generation VoIP network operators and VoIP retailers/resellers/rebillers.
• Product Pricing
  OmniCare’s pricing and rating function maintains the list of available rate plans, discounts and bundles. For commercial customers, pricing plans are typically more flexible and are frequently based on a contract proposal. OmniCare monitors contracts to flag subscriber penalties and service level obligations.
• Workflow Management
  Once an order is submitted by a CSR, OmniCare automates coordination of the many workflow tasks required to complete the service request. This includes validation of service availability, verification of the customer address against a standardized street address guide, any manual design, automated facilities assignment, technician labour, and interfacing to third-party providers like long-distance network operators or directory service providers.
• Number Administration
  OmniCare manages the pool of local telephone numbers, as well as numbers for toll-free, calling card PIN, and other services identifiers, while maintaining policies for number allotment, selection and aging.
• Facilities Management
  OmniCare selects and assigns network resources and equipment required to establish service for customers. Typical facilities include outside plant cables, exchange line equipment, switch components, network element ports, data circuits and special services circuits.
• Customer Self-Service
  The self-service function allows customers to launch their own orders over the Internet. Using this facility, a subscriber with the appropriate access privileges may be able to initiate a number of basic ordering functions, such as adding new features or temporarily suspending service while on vacation.