Communication Providers

For communication providers, IFS Applications offers a fully integrated business solution with support for project planning, rollout, operations and maintenance. IFS Applications manages project activities, budgets, time schedules and documentation as well as reporting and follow-up. During operation and maintenance, IFS Applications supports the sales and customer order processes, financials, network asset management, distribution and retail management.

Project Planning

Planning a new communication network—or expanding an existing one—is often time critical, involving both physical and human resources. Controlling progress and performance within the project is of utmost importance. During the project planning phase, IFS Applications manages issues such as defining the project structure, time schedules, activities, project budget, resources (material and personnel) and project documentation.

Rollout

Project reporting and follow-up activities are performed throughout the rollout or installation of the network infrastructure. Hours, travel expenses, and other costs are reported. Logistics support, such as procurement and inventory, ensures that equipment and material are at the right place at the right time. IFS/Work Order lets you efficiently plan, execute, and report the utilization of time and material, and populate the asset register. Throughout this phase, IFS’ financial solution helps you maintain control of all project-related costs.

Operation/Maintenance

When a project is rolled out, IFS Applications for the telecommunications industry contains as-built information, describing what is delivered, either as own assets or equipment installed at the customer premises During operation and maintenance, IFS Applications for the telecommunications industry supports the sales and customer order processes, financials, network asset management, distribution, and retail management. IFS Retail for the telecommunications industry supports the sales and customer order processes includes sales of products such as mobile phones, accessories, subscriptions, and customer premise equipment. Order management can be supported automatically with external partners. The supply chain process includes advanced functionality for purchasing and inventory to facilitate product and spare part availability.

Preventive maintenance and asset management play an important role in keeping a network up and running without unplanned stops. Even so, trouble tickets and fault reports need to be handled. All work, along with material or spares that are used, is entered on the correct object for field technicians, the use of portable reporting equipment such as WAP phones and PDAs is supported, simplifying follow-up activities and cost analysis. 
During the entire phase, IFS’ financial solution maintains control of all costs. It provides a comprehensive, integrated system for effectively managing budgets, projects, and assets from a financial perspective, along with core accounting processes. 

The financial application includes a complete general-ledger package that incorporates projects and budgets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and the financial ledger. IFS’ business performance solution is an integrated strategic performance management and control system that includes reporting, analysis, and scorecard capabilities.