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Vector Communications, Auckland fibre connections

Project Scope

Due to the scale of the builds and the pressure on delivery time the project was divided into two phases.

The first stage was to deliver 55 sites in and around the Auckland Central Business District. The second stage comprised the remaining 16 sites.

The first 55 sites were divided into three groups based on the specification, with a different completion timeframe for each group.

Northpower’s involvement included detailed design using PNI (Physical Network Inventory), physical build and installation on site, commissioning and delivery of these connections within a tight timeframe.

Northpower is responsible for all third party consents, providing GPS recordings of all new and exposed Vector Communications’ assets, and capturing all data in their records system.

Challenges

The biggest challenges were the aggressive nature of the roll-out programme and the need to work to a fixed, pre-set budget.

These were identified as risk factors from the outset. Identifying and obtaining the required planning consents posed a significant challenge. There was a need to ensure the availability of resources to deliver the roll out programme without neglecting our day-to- day responsibilities and other connections and builds.

Solutions

Due to time and budget constraints, all sites were surveyed and a detailed design/solution was produced for each, to enable the most cost-effective build and material forecast. Similarly, no formal estimating was done, enabling a cost saving on pre-build time.

Cost management was based on “time and material” as this was judged to be the only way to deliver the rollout programme to time. The process was assisted by Northpower’s policy of cross-training staff, as the company was able to utilise staff from other areas to perform some duties.

Results

Despite the very tight roll-out programme and fixed budget, Northpower managed to complete the build and installation of these sites by demonstrating sound design and project management skills, keeping the client informed at every step, and meeting every delivery date. All builds and installations were within budget and to a high standard, demonstrating Northpower’s BICSI capabilities. Delivery was made possible by solid company processes and policies that support all staff in achieving set targets.

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