How to more efficiently roll out FTTH in high-rise buildings

Whereas many providers have already acquired quite some expertise in rolling out FttH (Fiber to the Home) in low buildings, it is still a real challenge in respect of high-rise buildings. The complexity is due to a combination of the number of connections, dependence on the occupants, and the height of the buildings.

David van der Leun started the standardisation of the underlying processes as a consultant with one of NAUMAC′s customers. The purpose was to carry out the installation of FttH in high-rise buildings better and more efficiently.

He began this job from scratch, for nothing had been set down or standardised. First, the basis had to be got in order, and next he would proceed on a step-by-step basis. So, together with colleagues, he got going by answering questions such as:

• How do we wish to work, and who will do what and when?
• What is the project leader's role (knowledge/experience/control/communication)?
• What expectations do contractors, building foremen and engineers have?
• What possibilities are there to fulfil the expectations?
• What will our controlling efforts focus on and how will we communicate these expectations to the contractors?
•  What capacity will be needed and will it be available, or how can we make it available?
• Etc.

He closely examined elements of the chain step by step, and likewise implemented improvements. Not too many, not too fast, but properly and thoroughly, in a way in which everybody could participate.

And in these stepwise improvements, he provided evidence that this new method actually added value. It was very convincing, as even colleagues began to feel personally responsible for the success achieved. Subsequently, these colleagues were given a crucial coaching role in the implementation at the next location.

And even when all building projects were suspended on account of the Corona crisis, and there was a general 'lock-down', David and his team managed to continue. He did fall into arrears, but he wondered at the same time how he could catch up. He achieved this by thinking 'outside the box' and acting accordingly. He contacted new parties, implemented even smarter organization, managed more tightly and became selective in respect of subcontractors, focusing on quality and effectivity. The ultimate aim was to meet the 2020 forecast, or even to exceed it.

Optical fiber is the future, and the Netherlands is frontrunner, but the roll-out is enormously expensive. Using his approach, David found a successful way in which, by means of standardisation, new areas with low and high-rise buildings can be connected more speedily. Less time means les money and therefore higher sales. This is a winning formula that may benefit many organisations!

David is an interim professional, who has carried out many assignments for Naumac in the field of telecom/IT. David likes complex processes and organisational structures. He sees opportunities to optimize chains and is determined to hang on to his ideas. His knowledge and experience enable him to link technology to processes. He works very thoroughly; standardisation is his key feature, but it must be carried out together with others. David is a people person who has the time and patience to let his colleagues join the change process. Together strong, together successful.

#ftth #ict #telecommunications #interimprofessionals #naumac