ble if they are already in service. Some IICs, vendors and others involved in the OSS market separate network inventory and network configuration into different categories. In this case, network inventory is a record of all network assets, but a configuration or logical inventory system would track the status of active network elements, their available capacity and functionality and other data related to the network's current operating status and capabilities. A configuration system might also be considered the link between network inventory systems and network management systems in that it tracks the network's performance, sends alerts when network faults occur, and performs predictive analysis on network performance for proactive maintenance. There is a direct correlation between network inventory and network management in the sense that the network inventory data should reflect the network elements upon which events are tracked by the network management system, which in turn affects the network's ability to provide service. Warehouse inventory can include anything from switches and channel banks awaiting installation to DSL modems, private branch exchange (PBX) equipment, lightweight routers and other gear intended for installation on a future customer's premises. Inventory systems sometimes work closely with asset management or procurement systems to track equipment as it enters and leaves the warehouse, tracking where it ends up, where it is installed on the network, or why and when it has been returned to the manufacturer. These systems will also track warranty information, maintenance histories, and dates of purchase and installation for depreciation purposes. Chapter 2 - A Detailed Look at OSS 3.2 Inventory Management and Auto-Discovery In an ideal world, an inventory database would reflect, as close to real time as possible, the current status of the network. It would, down to an extremely detailed level, display not only what equipment is installed, where and how much capacity is available, but also, fo