In local telephone networks, a loop management system (LMS) is a kind or a part of network management system intended to maximize local loop control.
For a CLEC which borrows lines from ILEC for DSL services provisioning process, a local loop is the most critical (and the most weak) point because of reduced management of this vital part of the network.
During the provisioning process, a CLEC can request from its serving ILEC, a new cross-connect.
By agreement ILEC must fulfill this request but it's almost impossible to immediately learn a local loop's quality or monitor its activity in real time.
Such steps are sometimes mandatory for loop pretesting and qualification in order to validate its good (or bad) condition.