Automated Billing (Autobill)

CDR Processing & Automated Billing Configuration

The Autobill system processes call detail records (CDRs) and generates automated billing for VoIP services. This automated process ensures accurate and timely billing for all VoIP usage.


Autobill Dashboard

Overview

Autobill is a critical component that processes CDRs from your PBX servers and generates billing records in WHMCS. The system runs as a scheduled CRON job and integrates seamlessly with WHMCS billing cycles.

Key Features: * Automated CDR processing * Real-time billing generation * Multi-server support * Flexible scheduling * Debug and testing capabilities

CRON Configuration

Scheduling Requirements:

The Autobill script must run before your WHMCS daily CRON job to ensure proper billing processing.

Recommended Schedule:

WHMCS Daily CRON: 1:00 AM
Autobill CRON: 12:55 AM (5 minutes before)

Alternative Schedule:
WHMCS Daily CRON: 2:00 AM
Autobill CRON: 12:45 AM (75 minutes before)

CRON Entry Format:

Replace MYMODULE with your installed server module:

# Standard CRON format
55 00 * * * GET https://www.mywhmcsserver.com/modules/servers/MYMODULE/autobill.php?runfrom=cron

# Alternative format with more time
45 00 * * * GET https://www.mywhmcsserver.com/modules/servers/MYMODULE/autobill.php?runfrom=cron

CRON Parameters:

  • 55 00 - Time (12:55 AM)

  • * * * - Daily execution

  • GET - HTTP method

  • runfrom=cron - Execution parameter

Server Module Examples:

  • FusionPBX: fusionpbx/autobill.php

  • Vodia: vodia/autobill.php

  • Custom: custom/autobill.php

Manual Testing

Browser Testing:

Test your Autobill installation by accessing the script directly in your browser:

URL: https://www.mywhmcsserver.com/modules/servers/MYMODULE/autobill.php
Method: GET
Authentication: Required

Test Configuration:

Before testing, ensure proper configuration:

  1. Set Test Date - Configure client’s next due date to current date

  2. Enable Debug - Activate debug mode for detailed output

  3. Check Permissions - Verify script access permissions

  4. Review Logs - Monitor execution logs

Test Process:

  1. Access Script - Open autobill URL in browser

  2. Monitor Output - Watch for processing results

  3. Review Results - Check billing calculations

  4. Verify Billing - Confirm invoice generation

Debug Configuration

Enable Debug Mode:

Activate debug mode to view detailed processing information:

  1. Navigate to ictVoIP Billing → Billing Management

  2. Enable CDR Autobill Debug

  3. Run manual autobill execution

  4. Review debug output

Debug Information:

Debug mode provides detailed information including: * CDR processing status * Rate calculations * Billing summaries * Error messages * Processing timestamps

Debug Output Example:

[DEBUG] Starting Autobill Process
[DEBUG] Processing Server: FusionPBX-01
[DEBUG] Found 150 CDR records
[DEBUG] Applied rates to 145 records
[DEBUG] Generated billing for 5 clients
[DEBUG] Process completed successfully

Billing Integration

WHMCS Integration:

Autobill integrates with WHMCS billing cycles:

  • Invoice Generation - Creates invoices for processed CDRs

  • Billing Date Management - Updates next due dates

  • Product Billing - Processes monthly/annual billing

  • Invoice Delivery - Sends invoices to clients

Billing Cycle Process:

  1. Autobill Execution - Process CDRs and calculate charges

  2. WHMCS Daily CRON - Generate invoices and update billing dates

  3. Invoice Delivery - Send invoices to clients

  4. Payment Processing - Handle payment collection

Important Notes:

  • Autobill does not increment product next billing dates

  • WHMCS daily CRON handles billing date updates

  • Monthly invoices are generated after Autobill processing

  • Billing dates are updated during WHMCS daily CRON execution

Performance Optimization

Processing Time Considerations:

  • Small Installations - 5 minutes before WHMCS CRON

  • Medium Installations - 15 minutes before WHMCS CRON

  • Large Installations - 30+ minutes before WHMCS CRON

Factors Affecting Processing Time:

  • Number of Servers - More servers = longer processing

  • CDR Volume - Higher call volume = longer processing

  • Server Performance - CPU and memory limitations

  • Network Latency - API response times

Optimization Tips:

  • Monitor Processing Time - Track execution duration

  • Adjust Scheduling - Increase time buffer if needed

  • Server Optimization - Improve server performance

  • CDR Cleanup - Regular CDR database maintenance

Error Handling

Common Errors:

  • Connection Timeout - Server unavailable

  • Authentication Failed - Invalid credentials

  • Permission Denied - File access issues

  • Database Errors - CDR processing issues

Error Resolution:

  1. Check Server Status - Verify PBX server availability

  2. Review Credentials - Confirm API authentication

  3. Check Permissions - Verify file and database access

  4. Monitor Logs - Review error logs for details

Log Monitoring:

Monitor autobill logs for issues:

# Check autobill logs
tail -f /var/log/autobill.log

# Check WHMCS logs
tail -f /var/log/whmcs.log

# Check system logs
tail -f /var/log/syslog

Security Considerations

Access Control:

  • HTTPS Required - Always use secure connections

  • Authentication - Implement proper access controls

  • IP Restrictions - Limit access to trusted IPs

  • Log Monitoring - Monitor access attempts

Best Practices:

  • Secure Credentials - Use strong API passwords

  • Regular Updates - Keep scripts updated

  • Backup Configuration - Maintain backup copies

  • Audit Logs - Review access logs regularly

Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

  • Script Not Executing - Check CRON configuration

  • No CDRs Processed - Verify server connectivity

  • Billing Errors - Check rate configuration

  • Performance Issues - Monitor processing time

Debug Steps:

  1. Check CRON Status - Verify CRON job execution

  2. Test Manual Execution - Run script manually

  3. Review Error Logs - Check for error messages

  4. Verify Configuration - Confirm settings

Support Information:

For autobill issues, provide: * CRON configuration * Error messages and logs * Server module details * Processing time information

Next Steps

After configuring autobill:

  1. Test Execution - Run manual tests

  2. Monitor Performance - Track processing times

  3. Review Billing - Verify invoice generation

  4. Production Deployment - Enable automated execution