Putting Numbering Transactions On-Putting Numbering Transactions On-LineLine

Putting Numbering Transactions On-Putting Numbering Transactions On-LineLine

Nicholas Good

Numbering Allocations Manager

2 August 2001

OutlineOutline

Background

What is being proposed

How this will effect users

What we need from users

Background - TechnologyBackground - Technology

NU existing database - MS Access 97MS Access 97 - which combines 2 mid-’90s databases

Internal security need to get this on Oftel’s SQL server

• Tried quick-fix end ’00 & didn’t work• Have budget for re-write database for Spring

’02

Opportunity to put more functionality on the Oftel web site

Background - more transactionsBackground - more transactions

0

200400

600800

1000

12001400

16001800

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001* 2002**

Number of NU Transactions

Background - more usersBackground - more users

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Total number of operators eligiblefor Numbering Allocations

Background - solution Background - solution

Two ways to cope with that growth:• More staff, • More automation

Solution: Combine new Database Project (and opportunity to have improved functionality on web site) with more automation

ie, On-Line Applications

The ProposalThe Proposal

Numbering Unit Database and Transaction Service - “NUDTS”“NUDTS”

Three Elements to NUDTS• Database (SNS & other Codes)• Web-based application procedure• Internal Workflow system

Internal Workflow SystemInternal Workflow System

Through Oftel’s Electronic Records Management Project (ERMS)

• that is scheduled to deliver electronic workflow internal in May 2002

• working with RA as part of move to “OFCOM”

Database (SNS & other Codes)Database (SNS & other Codes)

Reproduction of Data from existing Database

Internally:• more functionality• more Reports• better, simpler management

Externally:• information presented at “Highest Common

Factor “ level• replace need for Warwick University site

Web-based Application Procedure Web-based Application Procedure - 1- 1

Provide Secure Access/ Registration in accordance with “Government Gateway” rules

• Access Levels I & II• Electronic Signatures or just UserID?

Assimilate existing Application Forms into an electronic “Shopping” environment

Needs to be user-friendly!!

Web-based Application Procedure Web-based Application Procedure - 2- 2

But how will it look?

We don’t know but we want your help as users

When will it happen?

Hopefully May 2002 (alongside ERMS)

Now it gets interesting…

We’ve identified lots more Requirements…

Registration - 1Registration - 1

Need to Register to get UserID, Password, verify Electronic Signature (?)

• What security level would you favour?• Company Access or Individual Access?

NB: Registration in this way is for NEW USERS - existing users would be registered in advance of launch by Oftel & issued with appropriate UserID, Password, etc...

Registration - 2Registration - 2

New Operators

“General Form”comparable toAnnexes to Form- pick lists- tick boxes Submit to NU

LOPID , UserID andPassword issued

Apply for RIDCode

OFTEL web site

Applying for Numbers - 1Applying for Numbers - 1

Register - enter UserID, password (E-sig?)

Select Number Blocks & Codes (“shop”)

Then complete “Application Form” - options:

• one “Form” per number type/ code• or “Composite Application Form” • Forms maximise pick-lists & tick boxes

Applying for Numbers - 2Applying for Numbers - 2

Application Forms• Forms maximise pick-lists & tick boxes• Confirmation steps when selecting numbers/ codes:

eg, “this is an X… is that what you want?”• Prompts• Pull-down info boxes (in accordance with Number

Conventions or existing Application Form texts)• Maximum numbers to be applied for in an area• no need for 2nd/ 3rtrd choices

Applying for Numbers - 3Applying for Numbers - 3

Submit “Form” (“checkout”):• automatic confirmation • allocation of Transaction Number(s)

Block(s) or Code(s) appear as “Not available” on SNS on submission & during processing

NB: SNS will change in real time - not weekly

Applying for Numbers - 4Applying for Numbers - 4

Application arrives in Oftel’s Post Box:• Allocation to NU Officer• Process - consider - allocate - refuse

Applicants view Progress on-line

Oftel confirm decision • Certificates, e-mails or just Changed

SNS?

Operator Contact Details ListOperator Contact Details List

Currently known as “A6.2 List”

Contact details available to all who are Registered

Self-up-datable on-line?

Oftel also update when informed and checked

Split it down to Numbering Contact & Regulatory Contact lists?

NUDTS is...NUDTS is... New Database

• Better more up-to-date information on-line • searchable & downloadable at “Highest Common

Factor” level

Secure Access Application Procedure• coping with single & multi-applications• progress checking

Numbering Contacts List: • Secure viewing • self-updateable of other registered

NUDTS should...NUDTS should...

free Oftel from administration

make it easier for existing users/ those Registered to apply for numbers

speed up processing times