Why Inventory is the Missing Link to True Network Autonomy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the telecom industry, and the Autonomous Networks (AN) paradigm promises to make the most extensive use of agents and GenAI for network operations. But as operators race toward self-optimizing, self-healing networks, one truth remains unchanged: AI is only as good as the data it’s fed.

The AI Hype – and the Hidden Gap

Many technology vendors promise that next-generation AI-driven Operations Support Systems (OSS) can make traditional network inventory obsolete. They claim that network topology and behavior can be reconstructed directly from operational data or data lakes. However, this approach overlooks a key factor: unstructured, ad hoc, and fragmented data cannot serve as a solid foundation for AI-driven network automation.

AI can only perform as reliably as the quality of the underlying data allows. Without consistent data governance, even the most advanced predictive algorithms will stumble.

Why a Reliable Inventory Is the Cornerstone of Network Autonomy

Autonomous networks rely on continuous feedback loops: Sense- Analyze- Act. The inventory layer is what feeds these loops with real-time, accurate information at every step:

• Sense: Provides the AI agent with a clear picture of what can be monitored.
• Analyze: Supplies accurate context for alarms and events, enabling root-cause analysis.
• Act: Ensures the agent knows what resources are available before triggering automated remediation.

In other words, inventory is the single source of truth that ensures AI-driven operations don’t act on incomplete or outdated information.

From Reactive to Autonomous – The Roadmap

To achieve Level 4 network autonomy, as defined by TM Forum, telecom operators need accurate, real-time, and versatile inventory systems. These systems must map every asset, resource, and service across the entire network lifecycle.

Inventory also enables Digital Twin Data Modelling. This dynamic virtual replica of the physical network allows telecoms to simulate and automate network behaviors safely, serving as both a testbed and a decision-making engine. With this, operators can shift from reactive maintenance to proactive, and eventually autonomous, network management.

No Shortcuts to Autonomy

Building a unified inventory isn’t easy. It’s a meticulous process that requires breaking down silos, consolidating data sources, and ensuring ongoing accuracy. Yet the payoff is significant:

• Up to 95% improvement in data accuracy
• Over 80% gain in data efficiency
• Around 83% boost in productivity

Ultimately, inventory is the enabler that lets AI deliver on its promise of turning today’s fragmented OSS environments into intelligent, adaptive, and autonomous networks.

Read more about this topic in our briefing paper: Why inventory is critical to network autonomy