- In my 20+ years experience rolling out telecommunications networks (cell site, Wimax, satellites etc), I have managed some of the fastest rollouts in the Telecommunications Industry 410 Cell Sites in 90 days, 1300 nodes in one month and 4,300 nodes in four months. How can such feats be accomplished? You can say, money, resources, time, site acquisition etc., and yes those all play a part in the equation for sure. But when those issues are out-of-the-way, to accomplish it within the time allotted or earlier is logistics.
- Normally logistics usually requires the Field Installation Teams to go to the warehouse queue up to get their equipment each morning and then proceed to do their work for the day. This really turns into a nightmare for installers, and wreaks havoc in the schedules. On-the-other hand it puts smiles on the logistics personnel faces because they are controlling all aspects of equipment distribution, equipment losses, and pilferage are reduced to a minimum. However it's not conducive to getting the job done. So what is the happy medium and how do you make the logistics and finance people happy while keeping your installers working while meeting the main objective of getting into business and making a profit? It's mobile logistics.
- I introduced a concept a number of years ago and swear by it to get the job done on any rollout and it's been successful every time. And that is the use of large semi-trailer trucks queuing up at the warehouse signing out the equipment and loading it the day before installation and then locking them up at the warehouse. You also can have some intermediate size vans to move equipment quickly in the field as well this is also a nice touch.
- The trucks are then moved to preset locations early in the morning throughout the country, state or region and the Field Installation Teams go there to pickup equipment. The trucks move to the work vs. the installer saving money and time, and keeping them focused on the work at hand getting the network up and running in record time. The queues are smaller and the teams stay close to the work.
- It also keeps the equipment secure until it's ready to be used. This can be really important in some difficult or not so secure environments. However I have had entire trucks stolen in some rough areas so it's important to find something secure as well when planning the locations and mobility. Another issue encountered is how do you stay in touch with everyone, and I normally opt for some rented handheld UHF radios, CB's or some other radio or if you are lucky another cellular operator's phones.
- Also Issues with defective equipment are easily replaced and resolved in the field. However, I also like to set up test rigs at the warehouse to test all equipment before its deployed eliminating defective equipment before it even reaches the field. This saves on installation time and also makes sure things are working in the field when they are suppose to. It also acts as a nice training medium for new employees or contractors unfamiliar with the equipment you are using.
- As a project director and/or rollout director I also like to observe in the field what is going on with my logistics you need to keep an eye on it don't leave anything to chance. Otherwise you may find your project in jeopardy. Visit the warehouse(s), know the issues they face, and work with the logistics personnel and managers. They are eager to help also but they also have a job to do even though sometimes it may seem to us in the telecommunications industry as an impediment-it doesn't have to be.
Telecom Rollouts
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