Cost Control Balance

The Cost Control Balance functionality in the OCS.io allows service providers to manage and monitor the available balance for specific types of usage, ensuring that customers do not exceed their allocated budget. This feature is essential for maintaining control over costs and preventing unexpected charges.

Key features of the Cost Control Balance functionality include:

  1. Balance Allocation: Service providers can allocate a specific balance for different types of usage, such as data, voice, or SMS. This ensures that customers have a predefined budget for each type of service.

  2. Validity Period Configuration: The balance can be configured with a validity period, determining how long the allocated balance remains available. For example, a balance for data usage can be valid for 30 days from the activation or renewal date.

  3. Threshold-Based Notifications: The system supports notifications based on predefined threshold levels. Notifications can be triggered when the balance reaches certain utilization levels, such as 80% and 100%. These notifications can be delivered via various channels, such as SMS or email, ensuring customers are aware of their remaining balance and can manage their usage accordingly.

  4. Exhaustion Handling: Service providers can configure actions to be taken when the balance is exhausted. For example, if the allocated balance for data usage is depleted, further data usage can be blocked until the balance is renewed or topped up.

  5. Real-Time Monitoring: The system provides real-time monitoring of the balance, ensuring that any usage is immediately reflected in the balance. This allows for accurate and up-to-date tracking of the available balance.

Configuration in the GUI

This section describes the configuration of the Cost Control Balance in the GUI.

Cost Control Balance Service
Item Description

Granted Balance

Enter Balance which will be granted.

Tax Included

If checked, Balance is inclusive Tax.

Reject when 100% Threshold reached

If checked, charging of event will be rejected when 100% threshold is reached.

This flag only applies if the Usage is charged online.

First Usage

If checked, the First usage Notification will be triggered.

Threshold #1 (%)

If a value is provided, the Threshold #1 Notification will be triggered when the defined threshold is reached.

Threshold #2 (%)

If a value is provided, the Threshold #2 Notification will be triggered when the defined threshold is reached.

Threshold #3 (%)

If a value is provided, the Threshold #3 Notification will be triggered when the defined threshold is reached.

Validity

If you would like to limit validity of the Offer to some period, enter the length of the period.

Time Unit

Choose Time Unit for the Validity period.

Pre-defined values are:

  • Second

  • Minute

  • Hour

  • Day

  • Week

  • Month

  • Year

Include sub-classes

If checked, subordinate Charging Classes will be included in the evaluation of Balance application.

List of Charging Classes

Check all Charging Classes for which Balance will be applied.