Hot Topic Workshop

TLM Blueprint 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
The term “Telecom Lifecycle Management” denotes there is more to providing a TEM solution than just setting up some software for the client. In fact, the process of managing the lifecycle in its entirety begins even before the actual “solution” is put in place. Clarifying the strategy and policy that will govern the delivery of the TEM solution is the first step a partner should take. What’s the implementation plan? Who will manage the solution? Who will manage payment? Who will serve as the liaison to billing entities? These questions are just the beginning of laying out a blueprint for successful TLM.
Speaker: Joe Basili, President & Research Director, Network Trends Now and Managing Director, TEMIA

Procurement 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
A good TEM solution keeps a close eye on procurement. Enabling a client’s employees to have access only to particular mobile devices and service plans is a key aspect of telecom lifecycle management. But what about all of the exceptions to the rule? Who governs adds, moves and changes? Who makes the final decision on device upgrades or trade-ins? Will certain devices or service plans already in use be grandfathered under the new policy? Helping a customer make these decisions is an important part of this stage of implementing a TEM solution. This session will analyze various ways to approach the procurement process with customers to ensure a smooth transition into new policies.
Speaker: John Johnson, Managing Director, Managed Services, Advocate Networks

Inventory Management 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Inventory management is the most crucial component of a TEM solution. Every circuit, mobile device, carrier, service, equipment, accessory and contract must be itemized, recorded and tracked. Updates to inventory must be made in a timely manner, if not in real time, in order to ensure an up-to-date view of inventory at all times. So how do you keep up with all of the connections and disconnections? How do you keep tabs on expiration dates and maintenance contracts? And more importantly, how do you generate buy-in on the client’s part to ensure success?
Speaker: Michael Shonholz, Director of Channel, iTEMize Technologies

Expense Management 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
When all is said and done, the tedious and detailed work of establishing policy and analyzing inventory is done to rein in the expenses associated with each carrier’s service or mobile device. Whether it’s done automatically or manually, costs need to be allocated to departments, differentiated on the basis of corporate versus personal ownership, and analyzed to identify fraudulent or unnecessary charges. This session will discuss the important aspects of expense management, including ways to transform customer savings into revenue.
Speakers: Trent McCracken, President, Spectrum Inc.
Troy McCracken, CEO, Spectrum Inc.