How Altnets can streamline PIA Processes for UK Fibre Builds

As the telecom market matures within the UK, there is a growing trend for more and more altnets to utilize PIA (Physical Infrastructure Access) within their fibre builds. This is being driven by multiple factors, such as the growing rate of overbuild and competition in telecom markets, pressures from investors to drive efficiencies, and rising interest rates.

Streamlining the usage of PIA is vital for the growth and success of altnets in today's market. A data-driven approach and the use of tools like build management software are more important than ever.

Challenges in PIA Processes for the UK

Notices of Intent: One of the big hurdles for operators is properly managing their NOIs and aligning project schedules to ensure builds are completed and closed within the allotted timeframes. Additional complications arise as plans are rarely constant, and what infrastructure is being used can change dramatically over the course of the build. Inaccurate NOIs lead to excess charges and lots of admin work.

Build Completes: A component of the NOIs is the need to provide build complete evidence back to Openreach when equipment is installed in PIA. Ensuring consistent data capture is extremely challenging and can be one of the leading causes of NOI extensions. Knowing which elements have the build-complete-packages submitted and what is outstanding is critical not only for ensuring the NOI is properly managed but for the build partner relationships as well. Nobody wants to revisit a site multiple times to get a single photo or update a label.

Network Adjustments: Blocked ducts and poles without space are one of the biggest headaches when dealing with PIA. What you had hoped would be a quick build can get delayed weeks (or months) from a single D Pole or large duct section that needs to be overlaid. Properly accounting for these elements in your project schedule is critical for meeting RFS targets.

Benefits of Construction Management Software for the PIA Process in the UK

Vitruvi Software is the first build management solution to incorporate these challenges into a construction data model, making them an industry leader in the UK. By connecting all your teams on a unified platform, you create a source of truth for your build - where everyone from Wayleaves to Build Assurance has visibility into the project plan, and understands clearly what has been done and what is outstanding.

Linking NOIs to your Design: Vitruvi helps manage NOIs by connecting your jobs to your design so you know exactly what elements were used in the build and what changes were made. Dramatically simplifying the process of updating NOIs
Comprehensive Field Reporting: Vitruvi’s mobile app is the one-stop shop for everything your teams and build partners need when out in the field. When they are assigned a task they are required to capture all the data you need, including but not limited to A55s, Build Completes, POWRA, As-builts, and labour/materials. This makes it clear to the engineer in the field what he needs to do, and when it comes to reviewing completed work - everything is in one place.

Reporting and Analytics: Making data-driven decisions is challenging when all your data lives in different systems and spreadsheets. Vitruvi’s unified construction data model connects all elements of your build, from design to work to commercials. Ensuring everyone is working on the same data and enabling you to make informed decisions.


Final Thoughts

Streamlining your usage of PIA is vital for the growth and success of altnets in todays market, and having the right tools for the job plays a crucial role in simplifying and demystifying your build. 

We are hosting a UK focused webinar on Thursday, Nov 23rd going into more detail on how you can effectively streamline your PIA - with special guest Beth Brazel - PIA Manager from Allpoints Fibre. We will be talking about her experience using Vitruvi and how Allpoints Fibre leverages Vitruvi Software to drive efficiency and set them apart as an industry leader in the UK for Fibre Builds.