The OSS Network Inventory: A Desire of Telcos to Consolidate

The change in demand has not left the telecommunication industry from being gripped in the pressure of serving faster and more reliably. One of the biggest hurdles faced by these companies is managing the complex systems that track all the equipment and digital connections that make up their networks. These systems, known as network inventories, are often outdated, fragmented, and difficult to manage. Many companies are now trying to bring all this information into one place to save money, work more efficiently, and be ready for newer technologies.

Abhishek Singh, a seasoned professional has been working in this space for over 20 years. Through his experience in Operational Support Systems (OSS), he has been a key figure in helping telecom operators understand the benefits and challenges of consolidating their network inventories. His work involves helping companies shift from outdated tools and systems to ones that are more flexible and easier to manage.

Singh shared, “ A network inventory includes everything from the physical parts of a network like routers and cables, to virtual elements such as software configurations and service routes. When these systems are spread across different platforms, it becomes harder for companies to track issues, fix problems, or roll out new services quickly. Singh has greatly assisted in guiding companies through the process of combining these systems into one, allowing for better oversight and more efficient operations. He added, “

His efforts have translated into some notable results. Organisations that have taken steps toward consolidation have seen real savings. According to Singh, operational costs can drop by up to 30%, and maintenance costs by 25%. Large telecom providers can save as much as $10 million each year, while mid-size providers may save between $2 million and $5 million. The benefits go beyond cost savings—firms can also deploy new services faster, improve customer satisfaction, and scale their networks more easily.

But, as he highlighted, bringing all this together isn’t simple. “Among the pile of challenges, dealing with different systems that don’t talk to each other well is a significant one. The engineer has helped companies create detailed plans to integrate these systems without disrupting day-to-day operations. He has also worked closely with teams to explain the long-term benefits, helping to overcome resistance to change—a common obstacle in any major shift.

Being a tech-savvy, Singh has ensured that his insights are shared with other learning professionals in the industry. One of his research work adding value to the field of academia is “Integrating Fiber Broadband and 5G Network: Synergies and Challenges.”

Now, looking toward the future, Singh believes telecom companies will need to rely more on cloud-based tools and technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. These can help predict problems before they happen and reduce the need for manual monitoring. He also points to the importance of using open systems and APIs so different tools can work together more smoothly. As someone who has seen the telecom industry change over the years, his perspective is shaped by both hands-on experience and strategic insight. He has contributed to real progress in how companies manage their networks and is continuing to help shape the future of telecom infrastructure.

Lastly, in an industry where staying ahead often means simplifying what’s behind the scenes, consolidating network inventory systems is becoming a business necessity.