Listen With We Are CORTEX

Hi Everyone, I'm thrilled to share insights from my recent conversation with a senior member of the We Are CORTEX team

We delved into the second stage of their proven 3 part model that many operators are leveraging to enhance their automation strategies.

This stage is all about Simplification, and it's a critical step in the journey toward a more efficient and effective operational landscape. In our discussion, I learned that Simplification initiates the process of automation transformation by retiring outdated assets or replacing them with innovative solutions.

A common concern arises here: will this process disrupt the existing automations established in the previous stage? The answer is a resounding no! Simplification is designed to build upon what has already been implemented, ensuring that no valuable automation is wasted.

Instead, it allows for the reuse of automations, safeguarding previous investments while facilitating the deployment of new automated solutions seamlessly. Today's networks are a fascinating blend of legacy and cutting-edge technologies.

For instance, on the mobile side, we're witnessing the rise of 5G standalone networks, private networks, and network slicing, all of which add layers of complexity to an already intricate landscape.

Similarly, operators with fixed line bases often grapple with a mix of copper infrastructure and fiber investments, alongside multiple generations of technology and diverse operational stacks. In this context, Simplification means reducing complexity across both the network and the operational systems that support it.

This complexity can stem from natural evolution or from mergers and acquisitions, where operators may find themselves managing separate operational support systems and business support systems in parallel.

Merging these systems takes time and strategic planning. A prime example of this complexity is the network inventory platform.

Effective inventory management hinges on understanding the relationships between assets and how they must be organized to deliver services end-to-end.

Unfortunately, many operators end up managing multiple inventory platforms across their networks, leading to resource duplication and inefficiencies. As we explored further, we discussed how many operators also juggle various billing platforms tailored to different segments, such as business-to-business mobile, consumer mobile, and fixed residential broadband.

This results in overly complex networks, often with elements clearly marked for retirement.

However, there are several drivers that can accelerate the simplification process, including end-of-life notifications, operational cost reduction, and the desire for a unified view of resources. Before embarking on any simplification initiative, it's crucial to understand the dependencies related to the systems in question.

Has the system been integrated with other platforms? This is where the We Are CORTEX model shines, ensuring that any retirement or consolidation activity does not disrupt existing automations.

It emphasizes the importance of portability, allowing automations to be decoupled from legacy systems and seamlessly integrated into new solutions. Portability is vital for ensuring that investments in automation yield long-term benefits.

It allows for the decoupling of automations from outdated solutions, enabling them to be transferred to new systems without losing their functionality.

This adaptability is essential, especially as operators evolve their services and technologies. For example, if an operator wishes to automate the activation of a new customer connection, the process involves multiple tasks, from creating a new account to activating resources and initiating billing.

Each of these tasks relies on various platforms and processes, making it essential to consider the integration points with inventory systems, billing solutions, and customer relationship management platforms. The beauty of the CORTEX platform is that it allows for this level of integration while maintaining the logic of the automation intact.

When changes occur in the underlying components, the automation can simply adapt to the new interfaces without requiring a complete overhaul.

This means that operators can retire outdated platforms and migrate services without disrupting established workflows. Moreover, CORTEX supports not only operational efficiency but also strategic evolution.

It enables the automated onboarding and offboarding of devices, ensuring that resources are available for new services while reducing operational overhead.

This contributes to enhanced site reliability engineering, allowing multi-skilled teams to continuously improve network performance and stability. In conclusion, the We Are CORTEX platform offers a flexible, reusable, and adaptable approach to automation that aligns with broader operational objectives.

It allows operators to simplify their networks without discarding valuable automations, facilitating a smoother transition to hyperautomation.

If you're looking to embark on this transformative journey, remember that it's not as daunting as it may seem.

With the right tools and strategies, you can take incremental steps toward achieving your automation goals.

 If you want to learn more on this topic download our Whitepaper. Likewise, if you want to start your journey by finding out more about CORTEX, contact us today.

Hello, everyone! Hailey here from We Are CORTEX, today I'm excited to share insights from a fascinating discussion I had with a colleague on how to resolve the legacy OSS mess – and smoothly and cost-effectively migrate to an automated future

This conversation dives deep into the complexities of legacy systems and the transformative journey toward automation. We kicked off by exploring the pressing challenge that many telecom operators face: the integration of legacy OSS platforms into modern automation frameworks.

They emphasized that this is not just a technical hurdle but a strategic necessity.

The first stage of their three-stage automation transformation plan focuses on consolidation.

This means integrating those older systems into the new OSS landscape to enhance their utility and strategic value.

By doing so, operators can start reaping immediate benefits while preparing for the eventual retirement of these legacy solutions. As we discussed, the journey toward full automation is anything but straightforward.

It involves multiple pathways and requires the alignment of various stakeholders.

They pointed out that while many operators have made strides toward achieving higher levels of automation, the legacy systems often hold them back.

It's a common misconception that these systems can simply be retired; in reality, they support essential services that customers rely on. They shared the framework we have developed at We Are CORTEX, which outlines the three stages of transformation: consolidation, simplification, and optimization.

We focused on the first stage, where the integration of legacy platforms is crucial.

This integration not only allows for immediate operational benefits but also lays the groundwork for future enhancements and flexibility. One of the standout points from our conversation was the recognition that many operators are stuck with numerous OSS solutions—sometimes as many as two hundred—each serving specific functions.

This complexity can be daunting, especially when trying to modernize operations.

However, they stressed that the key to overcoming this challenge lies in leveraging existing assets rather than opting for a costly and impractical complete overhaul. We also touched on the importance of automation in legacy environments.

The CORTEX platform, for instance, is designed to connect with both legacy and modern systems, ensuring that no valuable processes are left behind.

This capability is vital for operators looking to bridge the gap between old and new technologies without incurring unnecessary costs. A particularly enlightening case study was shared about a national operator that had to manage multiple voice service networks.

By utilizing CORTEX, they successfully automated alarm processing, achieving an impressive ninety-nine point nine nine nine eight percent automation rate for alarm ticket generation.

This not only streamlined their operations but also significantly reduced the number of manual interventions required. As we wrapped up our discussion, they highlighted the importance of reusability in automation processes.

By decoupling operations from specific legacy systems, operators can ensure that their automation efforts remain relevant and adaptable as technology evolves.

This approach not only protects investments but also paves the way for future innovations. In conclusion, the legacy OSS challenge is a significant barrier to achieving higher levels of automation, but it's not insurmountable.

With the right strategies and frameworks in place, operators can integrate their legacy systems into a cohesive automation strategy that drives efficiency and prepares them for the future.

If you want to learn more on this topic, download our Whitepaper. Or start your journey today by contacting us.