DEPARTMENT: MARKETING / SALES / PLANNING / DESIGN

THE PROBLEM:

The planning and design phase is a critical step in specifying and constructing an optimized fiber network. During this phase, the detailed documentation required by the construction and engineering teams for smooth project execution is prepared. A key component of this documentation is a set of schematics and splicing diagrams which provide engineers with comprehensive information about fiber- and port-level network topology and connectivity. Foregoing this step in the process can lead to major financial consequences as network assets are not optimized and customers may not be connected.

While automated planning software often generates the geographical layout of planned fiber networks, the creation of schematics and splicing visualizations remains a manual and error-prone task. Commonly used tools, such as MS Visio, AutoCAD, and Excel spreadsheets, require time- consuming workflows that demand highly skilled personnel, making it challenging to maintain efficiency and consistency. Additionally, schematic visualizations are not dynamically updated if changes are made to the planning documents. Although different high-level diagram tools are available, the industry faces challenges in finding agnostic solutions that can generate automated splicing schematics and management independent of fiber management systems.

HOW DFG iNTERACTIVE SCHEMATICS™ SOLVES THE PROBLEM:

DFG iNTERACTIVE SCHEMATICS™ automates the creation of schematics and splicing diagrams directly from outputs generated by automated network planning software or network documentation systems, such as GIS. The tool supports various input data formats and offers flexible diagram layouts, adjustable symbology, and customizable fonts and colors to meet the unique
requirements of each customer. The final outputs can also be exported as a PDF file for the convenience of field-crew use.

iNTERACTIVE SCHEMATICS™ can function as a standalone solution or as an extension to a fiber management system / operations support system with automated network planning capabilities. Its intuitive interface allows users to manage and refresh schematics and splicing diagrams dynamically whenever there are changes in the network planning output or edits to the documentation system, whether they be from manual intervention or from an automated planning tool. This ensures that visualizations always reflect the latest network configurations.

“Our goal was to provide an automated approach to generating accurate schematics and splicing diagrams quickly, allowing projects to move from design to implementation more quickly. This leads to faster deployments and earlier revenue generation. Furthermore, manual processes are prone to errors and differences between users, which can result in inaccurate cost
projections, reworks, and delays.

DFG iNTERACTIVE SCHEMATICS™ supports a single-source-of-truth concept, thus reducing mistakes, improving quality and consistency, and guaranteeing that the network is built to specifications the first time.”

“The iNTERACTIVE SCHEMATICS™ tool produces schematics that exceed our needs, but in 30% of the time. Thanks to its configurability and the power of its automation, we've reduced delivery times and enhanced the quality of our results.”

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS AND BENEFITS:

• Reducing design mistakes, which can result in further construction permit delays;
• More accurate and consistent design entails fewer project difficulties, cost-overruns, and redesigns;
• Quicker revenue generation due to reduced design and build delays;
• Optimized construction resource planning and costs;
• More accurate BoMs, resulting in accurate construction costs and reduced as-built delays;
• Automation means less time spent preparing project documents.