Demand for broadband is on the rise, and with it, fiber network complexity. The widespread implementation of IoT, 5G and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund is driving the need for more broadband. Add to this a global pandemic changing the way we work and live, and fiber networks have never been such an important part of unlocking our digital futures.
But this comes at a time when the costs associated with fiber installation remain high, particularly as labor rates for the highly skilled and valued human resources that carry out the work are also increasing. Service providers are under pressure to overcome this challenge – now is the time for modern network planning tools that offer scalability, accountability, and collaboration capabilities.
Relying on a system of manual processes to manage the fiber network makes it impossible to scale. With the introduction of automation into the network management process by employing an accurate physical network inventory (PNI) and geographic information system (GIS) mapping, scalability becomes not just possible, but easy, improving collaboration in its stead. For service providers, better visibility of the network results in a greater overall awareness of the network, resulting in efficiency gains. Repetitive planning and engineering tasks can become automated through software implementation, allowing staff to dedicate more time to higher value activities such as collaboration, thereby making the network more reliable and resilient.
A single source of truth
Automating network fiber management transforms a service provider’s orientation from reactive to proactive, unlocking significant business value. A complete and fully up-to-date database for network architecture (fiber, hybrid fiber coax [HFC], copper) enables rapid scenario analysis and comprehensive capacity planning. The availability of validated network records from a single source of truth supports the decision-making process, business outcomes are no longer influenced by institutional memory or anecdotal evidence.
Automated and digitized processes that are standardized are much easier to share across organizations and help to break-down departmental silos, furthering a stronger culture of co-operation. It means that organization-wide, real-time visualization and collaboration on critical backbones, 5G backhaul/fronthaul, FTTP, HFC and point-to-point commercial circuit projects have a greater chance of success. The combination of refined network data models with optimal automation tools leads to valuable insights that enhance the network, reveal new sources of untapped revenue, and contribute to higher levels of customer satisfaction.
At Synchronoss, we want to streamline and modernize network design processes through software. spatialSUITE does this by delivering accurate, comprehensive, and timely network information for service providers. It enables increased levels of network visibility and network data including specifications, attributes, connectivity, and capacity for inside plant (ISP) and outside plant (OSP) assets. It enables essential business functions including provisioning, planning and design, fault and event management, and customer service.
Benefits across the plan, design, build and operate lifecycle include:
• 5% reduction in new build CapEx costs – Intelligent software optimizes network layouts, minimizing construction costs.
• 15% increase in field worker productivity – Field teams have access to the information they need, when they need it, wherever they are.
• 80% reduction in design time – Automated design process saves time and delivers more designs with the same team.
• 30% reduction in network downtime – Find network outages quickly with tools and data optimized for identifying faults.
It is possible to improve scalability, lower operational costs and acquire accurate, actionable insights from network data with the right tools. To learn more about how spatialSUITE can help service providers increase ROI from automated planning to design, request a demo here.
