Algorithms are user-defined logic that perform various functions in the system, such as validating data, calculating values, or triggering actions1. Algorithms can be plugged in at different points of the billing process, such as before, during, or after the bill completion2. The order in which algorithms are executed when a bill changes from the “Pending” state to the “Complete” state is determined by the algorithm type and the entity to which the algorithm is attached2. The algorithm types that are relevant for this question are:
Pre-Bill Completion: This algorithm type is executed before the bill completion process starts. It can be used to perform validations, adjustments, or other actions on the pending bill2.
Bill Completion: This algorithm type is executed during the bill completion process. It can be used to modify the bill calculation results, such as bill segments, bill lines, or bill factors2.
Post-Bill Completion: This algorithm type is executed after the bill completion process ends. It can be used to perform final actions on the completed bill, such as sending notifications, generating documents, or creating financial transactions2.
The entities to which these algorithm types can be attached are:
Service Agreement Type: This entity defines the characteristics and behavior of a service agreement, such as the billing frequency, the usage calculation group, the rate schedule, and the bill cycle3.
Customer Class: This entity defines the characteristics and behavior of a customer, such as the default address type, the default contact type, the default payment method, and the default bill format.
The order in which algorithms are executed when a bill changes from the “Pending” state to the “Complete” state is as follows2:
First, the Pre-Bill Completion algorithm attached to the Service Agreement Type is executed.
Second, the Pre-Bill Completion algorithm attached to the Customer Class is executed.
Third, the Bill Completion algorithm attached to the Service Agreement Type is executed.
Fourth, the Bill Completion algorithm attached to the Customer Class is executed.
Fifth, the Post-Bill Completion algorithm attached to the Service Agreement Type is executed.
Sixth, the Post-Bill Completion algorithm attached to the Customer Class is executed.
Therefore, the correct answer is E. Service Agreement Type - Pre-Bill Completion; Customer Class - Pre-Bill Completion; Service Agreement Type - Bill Completion; Customer Class - Bill Completion; Service Agreement Type - Post-Bill Completion; Customer Class - Post-Bill Completion. References:
Algorithms
About Billing Algorithms
Understanding Service Agreement Types
[Understanding Customer Classes]