Introduction→
Bouyant-C Ltd is a leading provider of fibre optic network designs, construction, and customer installations. The company is committed to helping telecommunications operators in the US achieve high-growth network rollouts with a right-first-time and
turn-key approach.
However, Bouyant-C identified a gap in the market where many fibre rollout sub-contractors were limited in their use of mobile GIS technologies to support their build operations. Leveraging its expertise in mobile GIS systems, Bouyant-C aimed to develop a set of construction support mobile and web applications to track each step of its network build project in real-time, providing transparent access to its clients.
Technology Implementation→
Bouyant-C implemented a suite of configurable applications from ArcGIS Online, including ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Survey123, and ArcGIS Online Experience builder. The company's GIS development team spent several weeks in the field working alongside field installation teams to configure the application to suit their needs.
Following a two-week user acceptance testing period and regular workshops with field teams, version 1 of the application was launched. The company continued to hold weekly workshops to continuously improve the usability, performance, and outputs from the system. Training videos and email documentation were released for each field user to refer back to and for new starters to work through as part of the onboarding process.
Results and Impact→
The implementation of the mobile GIS system had a transformative effect on Bouyant-C's operations. It fostered real-time collaboration between remote teams, speeding up the rollout process, and establishing Bouyant-C as a leading contractor for its client. The company also became a learning organisation, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability, enhancing employee engagement and satisfaction.
As one employee noted, "The new mobile GIS system has revolutionized the way we work. It's made collaboration with the design team seamless and has significantly sped up our operations. I feel more empowered and efficient in my role."
The client also noticed the improvements, leading to Bouyant-C extending its technology to the client's internal teams and even third-party contractors. As the client shared, "Bouyant-C's use of technology in their build operations has set them apart from other contractors. Their ability to resolve challenges in real-time and deliver high-quality results efficiently is impressive. We've even adopted their system for our internal teams and other contractors, and the improvements have been noticeable."
Lessons Learned→
A key lesson learned from this implementation was the importance of user-centric design and active engagement from all stakeholders. Bouyant-C's approach to developing the system with the end user in mind first was instrumental in the successful adoption of the technology. The GIS developers produced the product around the needs and feedback of the field teams, ensuring that it was tailored to their specific requirements and workflows.
This approach not only resulted in a product that met the needs of the users but also fostered a sense of ownership and commitment among the field teams, as they felt their input was valued and had a direct impact on the final product.
Another significant lesson was the value of an iterative development process. By launching a prototype and conducting user acceptance testing, Bouyant-C was able to gather valuable feedback and make necessary adjustments before the full launch. This iterative process, coupled with regular workshops with field teams, allowed for continuous improvement of the system, ensuring that it remained effective and responsive to the users' needs.
Future Plans→
Looking ahead, Bouyant-C plans to continue evolving its products and user experiences, with a focus on automation. The company recognizes the potential of automation to further streamline its operations and improve responsiveness. One specific plan is to use ArcGIS Online's webhook capabilities to automatically generate reports when certain data, such as defects, are recorded in the system. This will eliminate the need for manual export and compilation of data, speeding up the response time from the client to remedy the works.
In addition to automation, Bouyant-C is committed to maintaining its culture of continuous learning and innovation. The company plans to continue holding regular workshops with field teams to gather feedback and ideas for improvement. It also plans to keep updating its training materials to ensure that all users, including new starters, are well-equipped to use the system effectively.
Through these future plans, Bouyant-C aims to further enhance its build operations and continue delivering high-quality results for its clients. The company's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, coupled with its user-centric approach, positions it well for future success in the fibre optic network solutions space.