Chapter 13, New Technology Familiarization

Packages used in BSNL Chapter 13

Packages used in BSNL Course Contents •

The Front end and Back end used for each package

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Salient Features in each package

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Modules

Objectives After completion of this module you will be able to know:

• Major packages used in BSNL • The usage of each package with its features elaborated.

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13. Packages Used in BSNL 13.1 Mobile Billing 13.1.1 Basic Details •

Front end-JAVA

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Database-Oracle 8i

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Operating System-Sun Solaris Unix.

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Language- C, C++, JAVA, JAVA Script

13.1.2 Salient features This application is client-server based where the data or information is contained in one or more centralized database on servers and the user interfaces reside in the workstation. The application can be used in a local area network (LAN) environment or WAN Network.

In BSNL there is four Billing zones namely BSNL West, BSNL East, BSNL South, and BSNL North. For example for BSNL west Zone the billing centre is at Pune.

13.1.3 Modules The Billing System comprises of three main modules. 1. Arbor/OM (Order Management) 2. Mediation 3. Arbor / BP (Billing Module).

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Arbor/OM is an order entry and management system that supports order handling and workflow management activities for products and services in converging telecommunications markets. Arbor/OM operates in tandem with Arbor/BP, as the completed order data is used for the provision of products, services, and accounts for future billing activity. Arbor/OM interface is used to • enter and revise orders. • view order history information. • manage workflow processing. • manage number and equipment inventories. The Service Provisioning Module acts as a interface between OM and the Switch. The Order from the OM Module is sent to the switch through the Service Provisioning Module. SP is 167

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Packages used in BSNL also part of the Mediation Module. SP is designed in CORBA. (Component Object Request Broker Architecture) Arbor/BP is the designated Rating and Billing Engine and will perform rating and billing services offered by each of these circles to its subscribers. The rating subsystem of Arbor/BP requires the mediation device to do the following: Send one and only one usage event for one billable call. Essentially this means mediation device will forward all billable calls to billing system, in case of exceptions such as long duration calls which will be consolidated and sent as one billable record to the billing system. The source of collecting usage records i.e. the network elements may vary based on the functions they handle. The various network elements that BSNL has are MSC, SMSC, VMS, WAP, and IN. Therefore, the mediation device must have the ability to connect to every network element and collect usage from it. The IN platform will provide Pre-Paid, VPN and ARS (Advanced Routing Services).Prepaid Cdr’s are pre-rated, as they will be rated on the IN platform and passed to Arbor/BP as prerated CDRs. Thus, no rating will be done by Arbor/BP for pre-paid subscribers; however the CDR is still passed through the billing system and kept for historical reference. VPN and ARS CDR’s will be sent to the Arbor/BP from the IN platform via the SSP.

13.2 DoT Soft 13.2.1 Basic Details •

Front end – Developer 6i

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Back end Database- Oracle 9i

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Client Server Model- 2 layer architecture

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Packages used in BSNL DoT Soft is the first integrated Telecom Software Application in BSNL comprising of Billing, Commercial, FRS & Directory Enquiry. Developed by in-house group of Telecom Professionals of AP Telecom Circle, the package was initially implemented at Guntur in 1997 making it the first Telecom District in BSNL to have an integrated customer care and billing software. Dotsoft is integrated with other systems such as call centre, BSNL portal (www.bsnl.in). BSNL portal enables online bill payments and availability of duplicate bills for its customers. In addition, Dotsoft, AP has a tie-up with e-seva, the most popular e-governance project of Andhra Pradesh government. BSNL portal - www.bsnl.in, provides customers with a complete online delivery, review and payment solution…all at a single mouse click.

13.2.2 Salient features 1. Application entry:- Online application entry for landline connections (Permanent, temporary, casual, PTs, swatantra senani, senior citizens, retired BSNL employees, working BSNL employees, gallantry award winners & service connections). Online application entry for WLL connectionsFixed & Mobile (permanent, service). Certain application details can be changed. All India wait list transfer - Incoming & Outgoing. 2. Waitlist:- For all landline (except casual, temporary & service). For WLL-mobile (permanent & service). Certain waitlist details can be changed. Out of turn and All India shift incoming connections can be centralized / decentralized. Waitlist process for landline connections (except casual, temporary & service). Waitlist entry is possible through the offline mode also for landline connections. 3. Phone number store:- Phone numbers can be created for all valid levels and can be marked reserved/blocked. 4. Messages to field:- Messages can be sent by CO to all field units for priority execution, suspension, return back, continue etc.

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Packages used in BSNL 5. Advice note release:- Capacity allocation to be done before bulk release. Advice notes can be bulk released, single release, cancelled & revised by respective CO for land line connections. For WLL, the release is single for cent/decent. Centralized release for out of turn and AIS incoming cases is possible. 6. Advice note routing:- Routing is automatic to the concerned field officer (Outdoor / MDF / Indoor ). For WLL mobile the routing is to Indoor only. For WLL fixed the routing is to outdoor & indoor. 7. Advice note completion:- Completion of advice notes is online for all landline (except ISDN) and WLL connections. However it is possible to complete manual released / system released advice notes through the offline mode. For ISDN connections, the completion is only through the offline mode. 8. Subrouting:- COs, DEs-External, AEs-Outdoor, MDF, Indoor, Test desk can delegate their work to their subordinates without disclosing their password. 9. Request registration:- Requests for working lines activities can be registered online. The requests can be approved / suspended / cancelled by CO or referred to AO. After approval, the advice note is generated. 10. Raise D/N:- CO or AO can raise demand note for any activity. 11. Level change:- Level change operations can be done with/without meter change. 12. Area transfer:- Area transfer can be done for a single number or in bulk. 13. Disconnections:- The disconnections for non payment are initiated centrally and flow to AO. After approval, the flow is to Indoor. Reconnections are initiated by AO and then flow to Indoor. No advice notes are released. These operations are possible through the offline mode also. 14. Closures:- The closures for non payment are initiated centrally and flow to AO and then CO. Advice notes are generated by CO which flow to the field. Reconnections are through the request registration module.

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Packages used in BSNL 15. Fault booking:- This is done online centralized for the SSA. Then the complaints are routed automatically to the respective initial testing operators at MDF. 16. Fault routing:- Based on the initial test results, the fault is routed to the corresponding SFC position (lineman at outdoor, indoor, MDF, cable). After the fault is rectified, it is routed to the final test position. 17. Fault clearance:- The fault is checked at the final test position. It is either cleared or sent back to SFC position. 18. Bulk Billing:- Billing can be done for all landline, ISDN, Centrex & WLL phones (except casual). The billing can be done for some or all exchanges. Call records error generation and clearance is possible. Unaddressed bills are generated for phones not listed in the commercial database. Group billing is possible for grouped phones. It is possible to bill deposits also. 19. Single Phone billing:- This is possible for any past period, future period or from any past date to current date. 20. Billing periodicity:- Billing can be done monthly for landline(except STD-PTs), WLL, Centrex, ISDN phones. Bi-monthly billing possible for all landline phones (except PTs), WLL & Centrex. STD PT billing is fortnightly. 21. Discounts:- Individual bill / Group bill discounts are possible. Discount on installation charges possible. 22. Bill operations:- A bill can be cancelled, given instalments, disputed or written off. Instant & Final bills possible for closed connections. Bill adjustments, pay-by-date extension can be done before payment for a single bill. 23. Bill payment:- Online payments can be done for all bills including group bills. This is authorized to a specific cashier for that day only. After the time expiry of the counter, the daily list is generated and tallied. The AO will then close the counter through a counter close module. Online payment processing is then done. Offline payments entry & processing are also possible

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Packages used in BSNL through batch control. Receipt cancellation is possible. Surcharge carry forward, waival is possible through authorization. 24. Trunk calls:- Trunk call / Phonogram entry is possible. Trunk rate evaluation is automatic. 25. Refund order:- Refund of registration deposits is possible if application is cancelled. 26. Ledgers:- Ledgers are generated for revenue, service tax and surcharge. 27. Voluntary deposits:- These deposits are adjusted in the bill. Interest calculation module is also available. 28. Dishonoured cheques:- Bounced cheques can be entered in dotsoft to nullify the payment. 29. Enquiries:- Enquiries are possible on all customer related data. 30. Reports:- Various reports are possible on all customer related data. 31. Dotsoft Mail:- Dotsoft users can use this mail facility and chat even.

By this DoTSoft Package all the above steps are made online. Commercial online reduces the headache of file management between various sections. Whenever a Customer Pays money for new connection, Advice Note is released online without any delay and the new connection is provided immediately on demand. An integrated system such as DoTSoft ensures better customer satisfaction and transparency in BSNL services.

13.3 TVARIT 13.3.1 Basic Details TVARIT means immediate and this package is to avoid the delay provisioning of leased lines all over the country.

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Packages used in BSNL Front end-ASP, JAVA Script

13.3.2 Salient Features  This is a Web based Program residing in a Web Server at Mumbai  TVARIT package is for Computerization of Leased Line operations – logs the process right from registration till commissioning and Updating for Maintenance operations including Periodic billing.  All the Circles connect through Dialup or Leased Line to the Server  Separate Access is given to AO, CO and Nodal Officer of each SSA. Using this package we can do lot of things related to leased lines like  Registration of New Circuits  Payment of Leased charges  Issue of work order  Wiring, testing and commissioning  Periodic billing  Accounting  Management Summaries  Migration of existing circuits on TVARIT  Shifting, cancellation and modification  Customer Queries  Online help

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Packages used in BSNL Home Page for TVARIT

13.4 Fleet Management 13.4.1 Basic details •

HTML as front end

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Java Script for client side validation

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PHP for server side scripting

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Database is Oracle 9i

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Operating System as Linux

13.4.2 Salient Features This software allows the user to enter the following details. •

Vehicle Detail

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Purchase Detail

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RTO Detail

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Insurance Detail

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Allotment Detail

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Scrapping Detail

1 Fleet Management System is a web based software application. The design and development of Fleet (Vehicle) Management System (FMS) software for BSNL was done by O/o CGM IT Project Circle, BSNL, Pune. The location of Web/Database server of FMS application is at Trivandrum, IT Cell, BSNL, Kerala Circle. This application enables the management of vehicle inventory, month wise history of costs on oil, fuel, etc. Apart from these features, this package also contains pages pertaining to the instructions and guidelines for the maintenance of the vehicles. The application has the provision for guiding the process of asset management by tracking vehicle records and planning to put scrapping/replacement schedules, working out fleet justification for the future and the month wise record on private hiring vehicles and the expenditure on them. The package is designed in such a way that it aids in maintaining the hierarchical design of SSA, Circle and BSNL HQ. All the information fed at the SSA level can be forwarded to Circle Office. The Circle Office can feed the information about the vehicles at Circle Office and receives the information from its SSAs/Units and then all these collective data regarding detailed information of departmental vehicles and a brief information about hired vehicles (no of hired vehicles and expenditure on them) in Circle can be forwarded to the BSNL HQ.

13.5 Trichur Billing package 13.5.1 Basic Details This automates SSA level billing for PSTN calls •

Front end-Unix

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Database-Oracle 9i

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13.5.2 Salient Features This package is used to generate PSTN bills from the meter reading of the individual exchanges. This software reads the meter reading from the binary format CDRs. The CDRs are collected from various switches in MOD or cartridge at periodic interval. For one SSA one Billing centre will be there. Gross metered calls are taken from the Open Meter Reading and Closed Meter Reading.Usage charge is calculated from the Gross Metered Calls by applying the Rating Engine. Accordingly bill is generated for every Consumer Number.

13.6 MIS Management Information System 13.6.1 Basic Details •

HTML is used for front-end screen design.

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ASP used for necessary logic for submitting/updating/modifying the Data.

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Java script is used for data validation at client side.

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Database is implemented in Oracle on Linux.

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MIS Reports are developed in VB 6.0 using DLLs to enhance the speed and performance of report generation.

13.6.2 Salient Features  It has more than 30 input forms for submitting Management Information.

 System data/report as per new format of BSNL HQ Basic MOC and then MIS data is keyed by SSA level users and data is stored at central database server  For the identical fields in MOC & MIS, once entered in MOC, same fields data entry automatically updated in MIS  Application generates MOC & MIS reports dynamically based on SSA, Month and Year of selection.

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Packages used in BSNL MIS deals with preparation of templates and maintaining uniform and standardized formats for various circles. The application is Web-based and field units from anywhere in the BSNL network can access the system located at Trivandrum through Internet. User-friendly interfaces are provided for entering data and any report as per requirement can be generated. The application follows three-tier architecture for BSNL, Circles and SSAs respectively.

13.6.3 Concepts used  Package is a Web based application having the two-layer Architecture (2 Layers).  Layer one encompasses Business logic along with the input forms and the next layer includes Database server. These two layers can be accommodated in a single machine or on separate machines.  It has 40 input forms for submitting Management Information System data as per the new format of BSNL HQ.  The basic MIS data is keyed by SSA level users and data is stored at central database server.  In a single window concept, user can input the data and obtain the respective output report. Home page of All India MIS

The menu consists of Admin 1OTE (One Time Entry) 2MOC (24 point reports) 3QPI (Qualitative Performance Indicator) 4 DP (Development Performance) 5U/P (Rehabilitation /Up gradation)

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Packages used in BSNL 6HRD (Human Resource & Development) 7FP (Financial Performance) 8BD & MKTG  Separate input forms are available for inputting one time data (Closing status for previous year ending) for DP, HRD, UP (Circle/SSA Administrators are only permitted to input this data)  It is a two stage process.  In first stage data flow is from SSAs into central data store. In the next stage data is processed based on the selected SSA/Circle/ BSNL HQ, Month and Year for generating the Reports.  Before storing the data (inputted by end users) into database, package takes care of validation and correctness of the data, as it is required for generation of correct MIS report.  End users (SSA level) inputted data is stored in tables and are maintained Report wise like. QPI, DP, UP, HRD etc., in a single MIS Database.  Each SSA Data is stored in the database uniquely.  Each row is identified with the Circle name, SSA name, month and year.  For avoiding data duplication and maintaining data consistency normalization techniques are used.  The basic data used for generating the MIS Report at all levels and is strictly adhering to the format of MIS supplied by BSNL HQ.  Completion status of Form can be viewed and modified by Module Level users.  Module can be viewed and modified by SSA Level Administrators and viewed by users at SSA.  All the Modules of all SSAs of a Circle can be viewed by respective Circle Administrator and Users at Circle.  All the reports SSAs and Circles can be viewed by Administrator and Users at HQ.  Application generates MIS reports dynamically based on SSA, Month and Year of selection.  MIS report is available at the following levels:

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Packages used in BSNL o Form Level Report o Module Level Report o SSA Level Report o Circle Level Report o BSNL HQ Report (Final)

13.7 HRM Package (Human Resource Management Package) 13.7.1 Basic Details •

Operating System - Unix/Linux.

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Database- Oracle 10g.

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Front end coding-J2EE.

13.7.2 Salient Features  Web based on-line application.  Complete and comprehensive solution for Human Resource management of BSNL.  Integrated with Payroll.  Caters to the complete employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement.  Role based user participation.  Centralized, secured database.  User friendly design.  Access to every employee in BSNL.  On-line flexible reports for management. The package envisages the total gamut of HR activities including staff details, transfers, training, promotions, leave etc.  Staff master comprising of:  Staff details

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Packages used in BSNL  Absorption details  Police verification  Training detail  Present, Home town Address  Career history  Creation of Units.  Attaching sections to unit.

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13.8 Inventory Management Package 13.8.1 Basic Details •

The system is a web-based application.

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Oracle 9i as the back-end database.

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Client - server model Client - A remote computer accessing Server through dialup/leased line. Server- A high end server and associated servers Located in Trivandrum.

13.8.2 Salient Features  Web enabled multi-user application.  User-friendly data entry forms.  Various queries/reports for master data from Admin/Circle/SSA levels.  User-role based access.  System logout on expiry of session ensuring security.  Forced logout by user ensuring security.  Forced change of password on first login.  Data validation all over the circle since it resides on a single server.  Multiple roles can be assigned to a single user.  This system is designed for planning/accounting of Materials in BSNL up to field units thereby bringing uniformity in Material Management.  This system is designed to start operation from the Circle tier.

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Connectivity Diagram:

Inventory Management involves  Project Planning  Purchase order management  Indenting and allotment at SSA/Field level  Receipt of stores at Circle / SSA stores  Checking the material for quality and taking into stock  Issue of stores from Circle/SSA stores.  Purchase Billing

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13.8.3 Modules The Main Modules of this package are 1. Head of Accounts  Groups  Types  Major Heads  Minor Heads The Head of Accounts view is provided to all users. The privilege is given only to the system administrator. 2. Estimate Masters  Group  Type The privilege is given only to the system administrator. 3. Item Masters Item Category - Broadly classified according to inventory heads like Switching Equipments, Lines and Wires ,UG Cables, battery etc.. 4. Consignee Master  Helps in the preparation of Purchase Orders released from Circle or SSA.  This facility is extended to all the users with Purchase Order Management. This is a pool of officers from which consignee to a particular Purchase Order is selected by Circle/SSA.  Consignee addition by the SSA is compulsory since this is required for Circle Purchase Order Preparation. 5. Ordering Authorities Master  Ordering authorities for Circle/SSA Purchase Orders. 184

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Packages used in BSNL  This facility is extended to all users with Purchase Order Management. 6. Paying Authorities Master  This is a master of paying authorities for Circle/SSA.  This facility is extended to all users with Purchase Order Management. 7. Purchase Order conditions Master  The general conditions of BSNL PO can be entered into PO conditions master. 8. Price Variation Master  Price of the material w.e.f from a date is entered through this link.  Since the variation is same through out BSNL the same can be entered by system administrator. 9. Tax Master  Different taxes applicable to BSNL and pertaining to each circle can be entered through this link.  The privilege is given to each circle administrator. 10. Tax Structure  The tax structure of each circle can be copied into the system .  The tax structure of the circle is very important during store receipt and billing.  The privilege is given to each circle administrator. 11. Manufacturer Masters  The manufacturers who are the supplier of BSNL can be entered through this link. This privilege is given to the circle administrators. 12. Local Dealers  The local dealers of each manufacturer in each circle can be entered through this link.

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Packages used in BSNL  This privilege is given to the Circle administrator. 13. Manufacturer item  The items manufactured by the manufacturers are entered through this link.  This privilege is given to the system administrator. 14. Store depot  The store depots pertaining to each circle/SSA is entered through this link. Care should be taken to see that the in charge of the store depot and the consignee of the Purchase order released from circle/SSA should be the same, otherwise the system will not give permission to account the items in a store depot.

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