Subscription Contract with deferred start date

[steph_-anie]

Hello

Currently in our system, a solution quotation creates a subscription contract - with contract start date = activation date. Then the distribution process is launched and provider contract created.

We would like to start the contract in the future - once we get acknowledgement from service provider that the provisioning is done. For example:

• Today's date = 20/03/2023
• Contract start date (requested by customer) : 01/04/2023
• Acknowledgement date = 01/05/2023

In this example above, the contract should really start on 01/05/2023, so the billing.

But we dont know what is the best solution :

- if we have an activation date (contract start date) in the future : it is ok , but then, when we get the acknowledgement that the provisioning is done, how can we update this activation date (contract start date)?

- if we use the "lock" feature until we receive the acknowledgement : it does not work because billable items would be generated as soon as the contract is active even for past periods. (and billed once the contract is unlocked). And for example, we dont want to bill the customer for April since he received only the access in May.

What is the best option you recommend?

Thanks in advance, Stéphanie