Staley Technologies
PROJECT FOCUS procedure to conduct the tests and retain the report of the results . Previously , we were relying on technicians to download results to a laptop when they got to their hotel room or returned home . This delay meant the client did not have as quick of a turn around if the results demonstrated faulty equipment or were not executed to the client ’ s satisfaction . When results are delayed or lost , it is costly to dispatch the technician again retest ,’ says John David , director of corporate safety and training at Staley .
The solution
Staley identified the SignalTek NT transmission tester from Ideal Networks was able to perform many tasks currently performed by certifiers , including wiremapping , link testing , port finding and transmission testing . The SignalTek NT tester also uniquely works with copper and fibre cabling . By utilising this tester , it significantly reduced Staley ’ s equipment cost and space restrictions by replacing the 197 van fleet with one compact , easy to use piece of equipment .
For example , on a recent roll out for a global retailer , Staley needed to hook into existing cables and ensure they were connected to the correct port on the switch . SignalTek NT offered all the functionality to make this easy and saved hours of work tracing the cable back to the switch . With stiff penalties for exceeding downtime limits , the speed and accuracy of SignalTek provided an ideal solution .
In addition to SignalTek NT , a small fleet of 25 certifiers was also purchased which could be shared among the engineers when needed for jobs specifying cable manufacturer warranties . This approach provided a more cost effective solution than the previous strategy .
To tackle the issue of delayed and lost test results , Staley also adopted the use of the Ideal AnyWare App . This App allows users to transfer test data to their mobile device and share results with off site colleagues without delay . Staley found the Ideal AnyWare App improved collaboration , troubleshooting capabilities and job completion times . This also allows project managers to easily check daily results , rather than waiting until a later date to compile a report .
To ensure technicians have sufficient data to download or send reports , Staley has provided 50 per cent of the team with company mobile phones and is looking to roll this out to the entire fleet .
The benefits
Cost to equip whole fleet 68 per cent less – representing over $ 1mn saving . Work tickets closed out 1-2 weeks earlier . Test results received in 2-4 hours , up to a week more quickly . Loss of test results completely eradicated where Ideal AnyWare is used . Equipment required reduced by half .
Costs reduced
To get the same functionality , Staley was buying two devices , doubling the total cost to equip each van . By creating a clever mix of test equipment , investing in a large amount of SignalTek NT testers combined with a small fleet of cable certifiers , the cost to equip the fleet has been reduced by 68 per cent , a saving of over $ 1m .
‘ The product provides maximum functionality in minimal packaging and is reasonably priced – which is unrivalled . We are thrilled to have been able to pass the cost savings to our clients and also invest in training to further enhance the services we offer ,’ explains John David .
Maximised mobility
‘ In our mobile work units , there are lockable cabinets to keep all of the testing equipment . Having a single , compact , hand held device saves valuable space on board – there is no other transmission tester that we can use for both copper and fibre ,’ says John . ‘ It is also small and light which makes it much easier to work with .’
Time saving processes
Using the Ideal AnyWare App has enabled technicians to transfer test results almost in real time . Being able to transfer test results directly from the job site has changed the way project managers work . Delays completing reports are a thing of the past , and as retesting is also no longer required , work tickets are closed out more quickly and jobs are completed more profitably .
The cost to equip the fleet has been reduced by 68 per cent .
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