Bentley > Case Studies > Precision Valley Communications: Accelerating Broadband Services with IoT

Precision Valley Communications: Accelerating Broadband Services with IoT

Technology Category

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Cloud Databases
Networks & Connectivity - Ethernet

Applicable Industries

Cement
Plastics

Applicable Functions

Maintenance
Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Construction Management
Time Sensitive Networking

Services

System Integration

About The Customer

Precision Valley Communications (PVC) is a premier supplier of communications network mapping and engineering to the broadband industry. With over 25 years in the business and 400 years of combined field mapping experience, PVC has established itself as a trusted partner for major cable companies. The company is known for its expertise in surveying and redesigning hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks, a task that involves complex and detailed work such as physically surveying miles of conduit, manholes, and multiple dwelling units. PVC's clients include major cable companies in the United States, and their projects often involve high-profile and high-security sites such as embassies and congressional staff offices.

The Challenge

Precision Valley Communications (PVC), a leading provider of communications network mapping and engineering to the broadband industry, was tasked with a major project to survey and redesign a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network for a major cable company in Washington, D.C. The project involved a field survey of the company’s network, including 586 miles of conduit, 2,400 manholes, and over 200,000 multiple-dwelling units. The goal was to complete a major network redesign to move all equipment from manholes to breakout pedestals to reduce rented duct space and increase accessibility for field crews. However, five months into the project, only 21 percent of the 586 miles of survey was completed, putting the USD 145 million project way behind schedule. The delays were not due to a lack of skill or effort, but rather the inefficient software tool that was initially mandated for use in the project. The software resulted in significant workflow impediments and time-consuming database transactions, severely hampering productivity.

The Solution

Recognizing the need for more efficient software tools, PVC decided to switch to Bentley’s HFC network engineering solution, specifically Bentley Coax and Bentley Fiber. These tools provided a unique, seamless CAD and open GIS environment that allowed drafters to efficiently design and manage network infrastructure. The Bentley HFC solution was built for optimized integration with Oracle Spatial, enabling all network properties and geometries to be managed in Oracle Spatial through an optimized process that minimized time-consuming database transactions. This allowed for rapid layout, verification, and posting of network designs. The solution also leveraged the MicroStation platform to supply the drafting productivity tools and engineering precision for fast layouts, and it could be used to produce high-quality construction prints directly from the design environment. With the Bentley HFC solution, PVC was able to achieve the productivity and efficiencies needed to complete the project on schedule.

Operational Impact

The switch to Bentley’s HFC network engineering solution had a transformative impact on PVC's operations. The software's seamless CAD and open GIS environment, optimized integration with Oracle Spatial, and precision and productivity of an industry-proven CAD platform enabled PVC to dramatically increase productivity and efficiency. The software allowed PVC to address complex project challenges, such as moving all equipment from manholes to breakout pedestals and completing designs quickly to facilitate timely permitting. It also provided the flexibility to switch between different design specifications without jeopardizing the project schedule. As a result, PVC was able to meet the demanding project schedule milestones, secure ongoing funding for the project, and deliver a high-quality, reliable broadband network for their client.

Quantitative Benefit

PVC saved over 20 months in time, equivalent to 18 thousand man-hours drafting as-built survey data and design construction drawings, including permitting.
This 80 percent reduction in labor saved over USD 1 million in design, drafting and permitting efforts.
Using Bentley Coax and Bentley Fiber, PVC's drafters completed approximately 400 miles in approximately seven weeks, a tenfold increase in drafting productivity.