Fibre optic technology is often discussed in the context of the value that it delivers for network designers and end user customers. However, many of the fibre optic products available offer at least as much benefit to network installers and integrators. They have the opportunity to improve the bottom line of their business and make value-added improvements to their end user customers’ networks by choosing the right fibre technology. From fully pre-terminated cabling systems to cable type selection, learn 5 key ways to improve your business without increasing capital or operating costs.
Way 1: Reduce staff needed per project
Pre-terminated cabling systems reduce the labour pool required for installation. In turn, this gives the opportunity to:
1. Bid more competitively on single projects; or
2. Bid simultaneously on multiple projects without increasing staff numbers.
Across most installations, up to 50% of the total project time can be spent terminating or splicing field connectors, often by several technicians in a single location to keep the project on track. By contrast, by using a ‘plug & play’ pre-terminated solution only one technician is required to plug the pre-terminated connector ends into modules, and then test them.
Way 2: Reduce investment in specialised staff and equipment
Fibre optic splicing and termination are advanced skills that take years to perfect, and there will always be times when they’re the most appropriate installation method. By comparison, pre-terminated plug & play systems connect so easily that virtually any installer can do it. In addition, existing levels of splicing and connectorisation personnel and equipment such as splicers and connector tool kits can be maintained when new, larger projects are launched.
Where pre-terminated solutions aren’t the choice for an installation, field-installable fibre optic products are available that can reduce dependence on specialised staff and expensive equipment. The skill requirement and expense of fusion splicing are clear, but many installation companies continue to rely on time-consuming processes such as epoxying and then hand polishing connectors. As this takes several minutes per connector to terminate it usually requires more personnel, and can result in less than ideal outcomes. Contrast this to pre-polished connectors, which reduce time and eliminate the skill dependency. With a low-cost installation toolkit the termination is simple: strip, clean, cleave, cam, and crimp. Network installers can complete field terminations with optical performance that’s equal to fusion splicing, but with less people, no investment in additional costly equipment, and no need for specialists.
Way 3: Reduce material costs
In addition to saving costs on time and personnel in field terminations, materials costs are significantly reduced with pre-polished connectors. They eliminate the need for epoxy, polishing film, pucks, and heat shrinks, that are otherwise operational costs for installers.
Pre-polished connectors can also eliminate scrap, by ensuring 100% yield. Easy-to-operate go/no-go tools also inform the technician if correct installation has been achieved. No consumables, no scrap – so no need for them to be included in the tender bid; a win-win for all.
Fibre optic cable also offers opportunities for materials cost reduction, allowing installers to bid more competitively on projects. For example, armoured indoor and outdoor cables that interlock can include a flexible aluminium tape that delivers crush resistance that’s seven times that of standard cable. This eliminates the need for inner duct to protect the cable during and after installation.
Way 4: Reduce downtime and complexity
Hitting roadblocks due to materials shortages often results in downtime on projects. By using fully pre-terminated systems, or employing more advanced field termination product choices, fibre optic technologies can significantly reduce the time, challenges, and stress associated with downtime.
Plug & play systems are usually shipped as complete solutions that have been fully tested. Custom-engineered to meet the network’s specification, installers and integrators are at a great advantage, in that all design and termination is done at by the manufacturer prior to despatch. In the best-case scenario, no splice closures, connectors, or cable tool kits are required. The result is less time spent box searching and checking off lists prior to the installation, and a minimised possibility of project downtime.
In terms of complexity, tight-buffered cables offer additional opportunities to reduce it. They add a 900 µm buffering onto each fibre strand to support the connector. Thus, there’s no need for a fan-out/build-up kit.
Way 5: Eliminate or reduce the need to outsource project elements
Fibre optic technology can be a challenge to business operations for network installers. This is most often due to a lack of fibre optic experience, or because focus isn’t on termination – it’s predominantly on cable and conduit pulls. As a result, it’s common for installers to outsource the termination and testing section stages of a network project, due to a lack of experience, or not having the right equipment to carry out the work.
In recent years, fibre optic connectivity has actually become much easier and more cost-effective to deploy, driven by the need to keep up with ever increasing bandwidth demands. For example, plug & play systems connect buildings, remote locations, and equipment as easily as connecting a garden hose, without the need for midspan access, splicing, or termination.
Advanced connectors are another example of making fibre optic connectivity universally achievable by almost anyone. Intuitive handheld tools and precise cleavers make human variability almost redundant from field termination.
In summary
Where splicing or connectorisation isn’t part of the installer’s business set-up, there’s no longer a need to outsource it. Instead, the regular workforce have the ability to complete the entire installation. Whilst fibre optic technologies offer great value to end users, they also have significant advantages for network installers. Fully pre-terminated solutions can reduce costs significantly. They can also reduce complexity, eliminating the need to outsource project elements. Careful consideration of connectors, cable, and hardware can also deliver cost savings, and simplify installation. These advantages enable installers and integrators to bid more competitively on projects without impact on the bottom line, which in turn offers the opportunity to grow their business.
Need technical help & advice to choose the right cable for your project? Talk to our dedicated Webro Fibre and Telecoms Team for expert advice, sales@webro.com or call 0115 972 4483. Or you can get in touch.
