How to process Usage

Purpose

The processing of Call Detail Records (Usage) in Datagate involves regular imports, assignment to customers, and pricing, even if the cost is zero. This procedure serves multiple purposes:

• Customer Billing: Ensures customers are appropriately charged for phone calls.
• Cost Assignment: Associates costs, where available, with the customer for profitability reporting.
• Analysis and Optimization: In the USA, facilitates call type analysis for Traffic Studies, potentially influencing taxation rates (consultation with a tax advisor recommended).

Process

Customer Assignment

To assign a Call Detail Record (CDR) to a customer, it's crucial for Datagate to identify the corresponding phone number. All phone numbers are treated as Service Items in Datagate. Some CDRs may provide additional identification through an Alias, such as a subaccount or domain, which can be linked to a single Service Item. The Alias may match the Service Item or be a unique identifier. Typically, the Alias is also used as the Service Item.

How to Add and Edit Customer Service Items

Price

Determining how to price a CDR involves assigning a Rate Card to the customer. If all customers share the same rate for a particular call type, a default Rate Card can be set, eliminating the need for individual assignments.

Each customer should have a single Rate Card assigned for each call type (e.g., TollFree/Freephone, Tolls, Mobile).

How to Assign Rate Cards and Pricebooks

Exceptions

Datagate provides a comprehensive Exceptions report highlighting CDRs not assigned to a customer and those lacking pricing information. Resolving issues in this report is essential before invoice creation.

To access the Exceptions report: Reports / Standard / Exceptions. Select the period. For efficient management of numerous exceptions, consider exporting to a spreadsheet using the "Export" button.

Unmatched Service Items: Usage

This section identifies Usage without assigned customers. Action required: Add the Service Item and/or Alias to the customer

How to Add and Edit Customer Service Items

No Pricing Available: Usage

This section flags Usage lacking pricing information. Action required: Assign the relevant rate card for the call type (e.g., TollFree/Freephone, Tolls, Mobile) to the customer. If the rate card has been assigned to the Customer, please add a rate to the assigned Rate Card.

How to Assign Rate Cards and Pricebooks