Esri Ireland’s digital mapping system has delivered savings of up to €5.8 million to broadband provider Fibrus as it accelerates broadband rollout in Northern Ireland. Fibrus is providing connectivity to 85,000 rural homes and businesses under the Northern Ireland executive’s initiative, project Stratum.
Esri Ireland’s technology, ArcGIS, is improving cost control for Fibrus by calculating precise costs for new infrastructure plans and optimising the number of potential customers in project areas.
The solution has saved 500 hours per week for Fibrus’ contractors, subcontractors and has improved process efficiency by 50%. More than 1,000 field operatives can view plans on digital maps, collect survey data, record cable and pole installations, and flag any issues.
Problems such as cut cables or storm-damaged poles are now identified, simplifying maintenance planning and facilitating rapid repairs. Fibrus uses data collected and shared via ArcGIS online to validate contractor invoices and approve payments based on the latest construction progress information.
Riain Garcia, senior manager, GIS, Fibrus, said: “Esri’s system provides far greater visibility of what is happening on the ground, helping us to improve financial control, traceability, and accountability. We have already seen significant cost savings by using ArcGIS to reduce build revisits and by using dashboards to track progress instead of manual processes.
“I don’t think we would have accomplished the exceptionally high number of connections needed for Project Stratum as fast as we did without ArcGIS. It gives everyone a one-stop shop for information on everything to do with Fibrus projects.”
Philip McLaughlin, client manager, Esri Ireland, said: “Fibrus is paving the way towards a more connected future. We’re thrilled to see our technology making a real difference in bringing connectivity to people and businesses throughout Northern Ireland. ArcGIS is a powerful tool which is not only impacting positively on Fibrus and its operations, but is ultimately benefiting and connecting more communities.”
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