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Probably no other major area of today's
business environment has experienced such
a revolution in technology, quality of service,
pricing, contractual arrangements and equipment,
both on a network and client level as telecommunications.
While most organizations have trained personnel
or entire departments to deal with this
area of their business, their attention
is generally focused on operational concerns
and "problems". Typically there
is limited time to consider how cost containment
is coupled with technology and service.
ERE performs telecommunications audits,
tariff cost analysis, and telephone billing
analysis to lower monthly invoices. These
audits include local phone service, long
distance, cell phones, wireless phones,
centrex & ISDN lines and telecommunication
infrastructure including frame relay and
T-1’s for both voice and data lines.
We are able
to offer insightful recommendations for
cost savings in the areas of errors and
omissions, cost avoidance, and future savings
by rate interpretations and contract negotiations.
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Cutting
Edge Software |
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Our
clients also benefit by our cutting edge
telecommunications auditing software which
enables us to: |
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Verify the Local Phone Lines, Trunks,
Hunting/Rollover, and other feature
charges per USOC Code, compare contract
pricing with invoice pricing and receive
monthly reports on any billing discrepancies. |
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Verify the
long distance contract pricing compared
to the carrier's invoice pricing –
meaning whether they give us an electronic
summary invoice with call detail records
or paper invoice, we input the data
that is not provided by the carrier's
records and give you the true costs
associated with your long distance
service. |
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Compare the
client's switch call records to the
carrier's switch call records provided
the client has call accounting software
or data collector on their switch. |
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Our
telecommunications analysis provides information
and recommendations for the following aspects
of telecommunications expenditures: |
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Service
and Equipment: |
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Inventory, existing connections, infrastructure,
and the costs for the voice and data
services being supplied by local and
long distance carriers. |
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Review all
of the above items for accuracy and
application. |
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Compare the
client's switch call records to the
carrier's switch call records provided
the client has call accounting software
or data collector on their switch. |
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Explain service
and equipment items to our clients
in "plain English". |
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Review service
and equipment records on a regular
basis. |
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Recommend timely,
cost-effective improvements in infrastructure
and technologies. |
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Local
Calling: |
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Define local exchange carrier's local
calling area along with pricing plans
and options. |
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Review local
calling patterns and billing. |
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Find and recommend
most effective plan for client's organization. |
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Implement changes
when appropriate with client's approval. |
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Review billing
for accuracy. |
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Recommend cost-effective,
high service level carrier changes
where available and warranted. |
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Toll
and Long Distance: |
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Define calling areas: IntraLata, IntraState,
InterState, InterNational, etc. |
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Evaluate client's
usage patterns, including direct dialed
calls, inbound toll-free service,
credit card calls, operator assisted
calls, and data facilities. |
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Evaluate current
vendor offerings and billing options. |
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Evaluate alternative
tariffs and vendors. |
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Recommend cost
effective, reliable alternatives when
appropriate. |
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Implement changes
as necessary with client's approval. |
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Review billing
for accuracy. |
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Data
and Internet Network: |
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Define network as billed by vendors. |
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Assist in client
evaluation of network. |
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Offer suggestions
of network alterations to improve
use of available technology, service,
and reduce overall telecommunications
expenditures. |
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Offer suggestions
as to possible uses for new technologies.
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Assist in implementing
network changes. |
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Review bill
for accuracy. |
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What
Items Are Needed To Get Started? |
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A copy of your most recent month's
phone bill for each location. |
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Copies of your
contracts, if any. |
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Why
Not Do It Internally? |
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Experience
and Knowledge. ERE has years of
experience in auditing our clients billing
histories, comparing numerous vendor contracts
and pricing, evaluating data and voice telecommunications
networks, and negotiating with various vendors
for a broad scope of services. Our seasoned
auditors are continually updating our knowledge
of the complexities of this market by evaluating
new technologies, contractual language,
price, and network strategies. Hiring
ERE as your telecommunications consultant
adds a new level of expertise to your organization
without increasing salaries and benefits.
And since part of our service is the implementation
of approved recommendations, this means
the total time invested on your part is
minimal. |
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