The completion of FTTP network deployments in the UK comes with challenges such as contractor shortages, overbuild areas, rising costs, and market consolidation. These issues can lead to delays, additional costs, and disruption for residents. To address these challenges, operators are turning to Right First Time (RFT) operations as a key metric.
RFT operations measure whether tasks in network build, customer installation, or fault resolution are correctly completed to the required standard in the initial attempt, without the need for rework. This reduces revisits, operational costs, and time spent on each task. Computer vision technology is being employed to enhance RFT operations in FTTP networks.
One immediate use case of computer vision in FTTP operations is managing Openreach’s PIA compliance process. Operators can use computer vision to capture noncompliant photos or sub-standard work before sending them to Openreach, avoiding delays and unnecessary costs associated with resubmissions or additional site visits.
Computer vision can also be used for network build audits to ensure that build standards are met, reducing delays in handover and accelerating network availability. By automating real-time quality checks via artificial intelligence (AI), rework is significantly reduced, and the time, effort, and costs needed for desktop and site surveys are minimized.
Furthermore, computer vision can aid in customer installations by automating health checks. Operators can detect any corrective work needed on the day of install, ensuring the best possible customer experience and avoiding service delays or unhappy customers.
Inveniam AI offers a fully managed solution integrating computer vision and machine learning capabilities to enhance field service operations. With their expertise in the computer vision life cycle, Inveniam AI builds, deploys, and manages transformative computer vision solutions for operators without the need for dedicated AI resources.
In summary, computer vision technology can have a game-changing impact on FTTP operations. By leveraging automated analysis of visual data, operators can significantly increase their RFT rates, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.