- ware and updates in the elements needs to be managed. When service configuration is triggered, the network and its elements need to be configured before setting the service level configuration. Once the elements are configured with necessary hard- ware and software, the system needs to be tested. This full cycle of network provi- sioning including configurations needs to be managed by the support systems. Inventory management is another important module in support systems. Based on requirements, the inventory needs to be supplied for service fulfillment. Faulty inventory needs to be removed and free resources after use needs to be reallocated. Also included in the management of resource is monitoring and maintenance of the resources. This includes detecting faults in the resources and resolving the issues. Collecting usage records from the network and ensuring better utilization of the infrastructure is a part of monitoring. Security of the infrastructure and fraud detection is also an activity that is performed by the support systems. The services should be offered on a secure and reliable infrastructure. 19.5 Defining OSS and BSS On a broad level, OSS is expected to mean any type of support system related to operations in service provider space. In current management space, the scope of OSS is more limited. OSS can be divided into three types of management solu- tions. They are: 1. BSS (business support systems): These are solutions that handle business operations. It is more customer-centric and a key part of running the busi- ness rather than the service or network. Some of the high level functions in BSS include billing, CRM (customer relationship management), marketing support, partner management, sales support, and SO forth. These high level Fundamentals of EMS, NMS and OSS/BSS functions encompass several functions each of which can be a specialized solution. For example, billing will have activities like invoicing, payment pro- cessing, discounts and adjustments, account management, and credit man- agem