Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1476549
46 I ICT TODAY Manufacturer testing Infrastructure Installation Off-the-Truck Testing Lifetime Infrastructure Continuity Infrastructure Certification Change Management Cloud The average cost of rework on projects exceeds 12 percent. Design deviations, which include unapproved changes, errors, and omissions, account for roughly 80 percent of the increased costs, while approved con- struction scope deviations make up only 20 percent. 3 Inefficiencies and stoppages due to rework are costly to all parties concerned and often result in significant losses in time and quality. LEVERAGING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION It has become increasingly clear that the traditional approach to infrastructure deployment management is no longer feasible. Enabling fast, consistent, and accu- rate deployment of networks requires a paradigm shift, a complete life cycle solution that addresses key infra- structure deployment challenges. Automation and data coordination are essential to operating with the principle of build it right the first time. A solution is needed connecting the individual silos of data—combining passive infrastructure, the construc- tion process, and mobile and cloud technology to create a single, integrated, interactive source of data for ICT builds. An ecosystem of tools is coming into existence that can be woven together into an optimized solution to address this, combining everything from manufac- turing to network turn-up and activation. This is called an intelligent build solution. An intelligent build solution combines elements of construction digitization, software-as-a-service (SaaS), electronic identification, such as radio-frequency identi- fication (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), and artificial intelligence (AI). These are not new concepts. They are part of the digital transformation reshaping all areas of business today, fundamentally changing how companies operate and deliver value to their customers. FIGURE 1: End-to-end intelligent build digital journal life cycle. Every business must embrace digital transfor- mation if it has ambitions to scale. Research suggests that digital transformation can result in productivity gains of 15 percent, as well as contribute to a 4 to 6 per- cent reduction in project costs. 4 Additional benefits cited are greater levels of visibility into project execution and the opportunity this offers to offset the efficiency impacts brought on by the lack of a skilled workforce. FIBER BLOCKCHAIN–A VISION An end-to-end intelligent build solution is designed to augment traditional ICT business systems and oper- ations. Imagine a digital journaling solution that cap- tures the life of an optical fiber cable or passive optical component and follows it from cradle to grave—from the time it is made in the manufacturing plant, to its installation into a network, through subsequent moves or reconfigurations, until the end of its life when it is eventually decommissioned. All these technologies help organizations compete in a digi- tally transformed world that will improve the customer experience through real-time, data-driven transactions, while uncovering new opportunities for growth. By managing data collection, checklists, and reporting for multiple phases of a project, including automating project planning and design, supply chain visibility, installation support, project tracking, testing, project closeout, post-installation commissioning, ana- lytics, and maintenance, this digital journal increases transparency and accountability for any deployment. This is facilitated via a mobile app and a cloud service solution that is managed and delivered via a blockchain. See Figure 1.