Vision AI Boosts Telco Service Quality at Lower Cost

The telecommunications industry is facing a transformation of technology and innovation. In-field operations are now more important than ever with the rising demand for high-speed internet and advanced communication services. The increased pressure to perform fast field installation of complex equipment often causes technicians to cut corners, creating quality control issues as well as safety risks. Fortunately, vision AI helps technicians maintain high standards while controlling costs and meeting the demands of consumers.

How it works

Vision AI uses images to streamline installation and maintenance tasks, such as identifying and labeling parts, verifying compliance with installation mandates, and confirming field operations follow the right sequencing and proper connections. The use of computer vision technology significantly reduces human error and improves efficiencies, with fewer return field visits needed. Image recognition, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence can also be used to optimize the in-field performance of technicians.  

Visual automation technology helps operators collect in-field photos and analyze data collected to identify possible quality breaches. For instance, image recognition can identify and track malfunctions resulting from improper sequencing of wires or loose connections. The technology catches trouble spots while the technician is still onsite, saving future return trips.

Benefits of Computer Vision

Computer vision and visual automation have many benefits for the telecom industry, including:

• Quality control is improved with the performance of technicians on site more consistent and aligned with management’s expectations.
• Customer satisfaction is improved with an increase in Right First Time service calls and networks being built out more quickly.
• By reducing truck rolls associated with unnecessary return visits, computer vision helps save money. This includes empowering the existing workforce to manage more work orders per day, thanks to automation and streamlining quality control and maintenance tasks in the field -- and administrative processes in the back office.
• Engineering hours are reduced. With the use of AI-assisted computer vision, engineers will spend less time driving, consulting on service calls, and troubleshooting possible errors. With automation covering the routine tasks, engineers can focus on the exceptions, using their time efficiently. With today’s shortage of skilled workers, including technicians and engineers, better use of current personnel is an important benefit. Keeping workers relieved of tedious tasks helps reduce frustration and retain workers.
• Accelerated network rollout and upgrade are possible thanks to computer vision. The use of images helps technicians work quickly, consulting protocols and verifying compliance as they work, so there are no surprises or delays for reworks.
• By making field technicians more efficient in their tasks, the telecom company can conserve resources, such as fuel from truck rolls. This boosts sustainability, an important consideration for companies striving to be more environmentally friendly.

Applications for the Telecommunications Industry

Field efficiency. Computer vision is an essential tool to assist field technicians during installations and service calls. The solution captures and analyzes thousands of images of the work in progress, alerting the technicians to any non-compliance anomalies while still on site. Field agents — and their managers — can verify that quality meets high standards. This includes monitoring for potential safety risks, such as loose connections that can cause overheating and fire.

Communication applications. Vision AI is becoming more integrated in the telecommunications industry to enhance and expand aspects of communication and services. For example, video conferencing platforms are becoming essential for enterprises as they expand global operations, as well as support work-from-home personnel. Computer vision algorithms improve video quality, optimize usage, and enable features like background blur or virtual backgrounds. Installations in office settings are especially time sensitive, as downtime because of technology issues can be devastating to an organization’s productivity.

Network maintenance. Computer vision is also utilized for network monitoring and maintenance. Upkeep tasks like identifying and analyzing infrastructure issues can be streamlined thanks to the computer vision technology. Cable damage or breaches in housing or junction boxes can be detected through routine image collection and analysis.  

Back-office admin. Telecom companies can also automate the back-office processes in identifying and resolving network defects. This improves the speed and efficiency of administrative operations and reduces the chances of human error. Automation helps control overhead costs, allowing personnel to be highly efficient, focusing on exceptions, while the solution manages the routine inspections and quality control functions.

The wrap-up

Vision AI automation offers a major advantage to the telecommunications industry. The automated use of images minimizes field errors, increases productivity, and fosters a safer work environment for field technicians. By reducing truck rolls and increasing efficiency, computer vision helps save the organization money. In telecoms, the combined use of computer vision, AI, and data analytics improves the user experience, network efficiency, and overall service dependability.