The crux of operations for anyone building and running FTTP networks rests squarely on the concept of ‘Right First Time’ (RFT) operations. The significance of RFT operations revolves around ensuring tasks are accurately carried out according to the necessary standards during the first attempt, negating the requirement for rework. This applies to network builds, customer installations, or the resolution of network faults. By focusing on RFT, the number of revisits, operational costs, and time spent per task can be significantly reduced.
An innovative solution to enhancing RFT operations is computed vision. This innovative technological advancement allows operators to increase RFT rates dramatically. The process utilizes an automated examination of visual data. The data, which is captured and uploaded by field engineers or auditors, detects anomalies and poor-quality operations, thereby enhancing RFT operations.
What does this mean for the market as a whole? The UK’s current landscape for FTTP operators reflects a race against time to complete their network deployments. Factors such as contractor shortages, escalating cost bases, network overbuild, and recent consolidation contribute to this race. Networks often wrestle with quality issues causing delays in roll-outs while incurring additional operational costs. These problems contribute steeper network overbuild, leading to a knock-on effect on the return on investment when customers switch to full fibre through competitors.
To rectify these issues, compute vision is being employed. An ideal use case for this application is with Openreach PIA, allowing operators to identify sub-standard work prior to submitting pictures to Openreach — this saves on resubmission or additional site visit costs. Computer vision is also crucial in network build audits. By ensuring build standards have been met, rework time and costs reduce considerably. Additionally, in customer installation procedures, automating install health checks through computer vision can detect rework areas, ensuring optimal customer experience.
Inveniam AI presents a sustainable way of integrating computer vision. A fully managed solution, this system employs machine learning to enhance field operations, transforming raw data into actionable insights. It provides an integrated solution at every stage of the computer vision life cycle, offering transformative solutions without burdening customers with AI resources investment.
The thrust of these advancements places operators a step closer to achieving their goal of smooth roll-outs without the need for rework or unnecessary costs. As the technology proves its worth in the field and provides substantial results, it offers a clear path forward in the world of Fibre To The Premises (FTTP) operations.
Thus, the future of FTTP operations in the UK lies in the effective deployment of computer vision. It’s a technology that can result in accelerated time to revenue, improved installation journeys, and positive feedback from customers — which is crucial in this competitive landscape.
