Intro
In an ambitious move to enhance its telecommunications infrastructure, one of the largest telecom companies in North America embarked on a significant initiative. The project aimed at eliminating the need for leased transport for cell sites and enterprise customers, pivoting towards a more robust and self-reliant fiber optic network. Given the scale and complexity of this endeavor, the telecom giant partnered with TEKsystems and leveraged their expertise in geographic information system (GIS), fiber network management, and engineering solutions.
The Challenge
The telecom company faced multiple hurdles in its journey to revolutionize its network infrastructure. The recent adoption of a GIS fiber network management system, while it was a step forward, it had introduced challenges that affected both the timelines and quality of projects. Ultimately, there were a few key issues included in the scope of work.
- Design Compliance: Ensuring designs met stringent telecom standards and were compatible with GIS tracking systems was a significant challenge. Often, designs did not align with existing plans, were not in an electronic format, and lacked searchability, leading to compliance issues.
- Inaccurate Records: Poor design records resulted in the provision of invalid information, causing operational disruptions and customer service interruptions.
- Speed to Market: The company struggled with quickly researching available capacity due to multiple, uncoordinated systems of record, a byproduct of previous acquisition strategies. This inefficiency hindered the ability to perform necessary research and risk assessment.
- Additional complications: Increased operational expenses, design rework needs, permit acquisition failures, construction delays, financial penalties due to inaccurate data, delayed revenue capture, and inefficient resource deployment.
The Solution
To tackle these numerous and complex challenges, TEKsystems assembled a specialized team and devised a strategic approach.
- Team Scaling: Mobilized a 125+ strong engineering team with deep expertise in GIS and fiber optics.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): Established GIS tooling SOPs to ensure design uniformity and compliance with all required standards.
- GIS Tooling Coordination: Collaborated with the customer to identify and rectify GIS tooling defects.
- Operational Process Design: Implemented an engagement operational process covering the entire work order lifecycle.
- Key Measurements: Defined and monitored operational metrics and time-to-task measurements.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Introduced a reporting system to track workflow and workforce performance, focusing on operational and mileage metrics.
Results
The collaboration between Esri and TEKsystems resulted in significant advancements in telecom infrastructure development. Over a three-year period, their partnership aided in helping lead the telecom company to the successful design of over 100,000 miles of fiber, incorporating both metro and long-haul routes. This achievement was made possible by establishing a high-performance GIS engineering team from the ground up. Their efforts surpassed customer expectations through meticulously planned projects and milestones. Furthermore, they modernized the tooling database and provided detailed operational metrics, showcasing improvements in mileage completion and operational efficiencies. This partnership exemplifies how strategic collaborations can lead to remarkable improvements in speed to market and operational performance in the telecom industry.
About TEKsystems
TEKsystems is a global leader in technology services, driving business transformation for clients worldwide. With a workforce of 80,000 professionals and a presence in over 100 locations, TEKsystems partners with 80% of the Fortune 500 to address complex technology, business, and talent challenges. As an Esri partner, the company offers comprehensive geospatial solutions, implementing Esri technology in alignment with ArcGIS best practices. TEKsystems’ offerings include cloud, hardware, and software solutions fully compatible with ArcGIS, backed by extensive expertise in IT and operational technology infrastructure. Their team holds dual certifications in Esri Enterprise System Design and Administration, ensuring clients receive expert guidance in technology planning and implementation.
Resources
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