Advanced integrated software simplifies everything about project management
from initial design concept to the ongoing maintenance of finished projects
Amsterdam, February 18, 2008 -- Draka, a global leader in
optical fibre technology, cabling, connectivity solutions and network
engineering services, today announces that its proven software network
management suite will be an integral part of the Draka XS.Netpackage of services
and products for next generation broadband implementation.
The Draka Software Management Suite comprises four integrated software tools
which cover network design, project management, identification and registration
and installation planning. The result of a substantial investment over a period
of 20 years, the tools have been developed from Draka’s vast turnkey project
experience of building traditional telecom networks in Saudi Arabia, Ghana,
Indonesia, Turkey and other dense urban conglomerations around the world.
Typically, the software allows an Engineer to handle and manage all of the
functional tasks necessary to control a major FTTH project.
The Draka Software Suite has proven itself in FTTH projects such as Amsterdam’s
CityNet with savings of over € 2 million. In building the first phase of the
Amsterdam FTTH network the Draka software system accelerated customer connection
time and cost by automating the project flow for approvals, permits, logistics
and contractor participation.
“Draka’s Software Management suite removes the guesswork out of customer fibre
optic connections, while minimizing the time to make a design, prepare layouts,
draw schematics and prepare a total project inventory, “ says Karel Helsen,
Director Broadband of Draka Comteq. “It’s an asset which differentiates us
strongly in today’s marketplace for FTTH deployment projects.”
Automating the supply chain process
As each FTTH project varies in size, shape and environment, intelligent,
self-learning software tools are essential to standardize and automate the
process of building and managing the entire construction supply chain. The Draka
software suite was originally developed to plan and manage copper cable networks
in overseas environments involving as many as 1,500 components. As the average
FTTH project, each of which is unique, comprises some 500 components, the
software has proven to accommodate easily FTTH environments, helping standardise
the entire process while giving fine control of the supply chain from product
inventory through to the end consumer registration identification. It can
contribute to substantial cost-economies in the construction phase.
The Draka XS.Netsoftware which is intuitive and easy to learn comprises four
fully integrated component modules:
Net.DesignXS: intuitively guides the designer in mapping a
network automatically, together with all materials and labour resources
required.
Net.ProjectXS: for project, product and materials
management covering supplier details, pricing, technical information, store
inventory management as well as contractor definitions and job control.
Net.IDXS: dedicated to network registration and allows viewing
of all of the route connections in the entire network in GIS form, giving
visibility over all customer connections. ‘Show on map’ feature displays every
item in a selected area on a GIS map
Net.PlanXS: custom-tailored planning software details project
addresses, house registration, installation planning and registration of digging
and installation permits, as well as an automatic messaging service between the
various partners involved in the project.
As from February 2008, independent contracting and engineering companies will
have the possibility to be certified to use Draka XS.Netmodelling tools,
logistics and planning software. Certification will be accomplished through a
new training facility which Draka is putting in place in its European offices.
In addition, the company plans to license its proprietary Draka XS.Netsoftware
tools to engineering consultants in order to extend fibre network building
expertise to a broader range of market sectors and geographical areas.
About DrakaXS.Net
Draka XS.Net, the outcome of Draka’s 20 years expertise in cable and network
building projects around the world, provides a complete passive network building
resource comprising state-of-the-art miniaturised fibre optic components with
network project design, planning, implementation and maintenance. Draka XS.Netis
based upon a proven econometric model which results in lower costs and control
over capital and operating expenses for the construction of FTTH access
networks.
Draka XS.Net: management
software
Photo: One of the four modules of DrakaXSNetmanagement software, Net.IDXS is
dedicated to network registration and allows viewing of all of the route
connections in the entire network in GIS form, giving visibility over all
customer connections. ‘Show on map’ feature displays every item in a selected
area on a GIS map.
About Draka Comteq
Draka, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a € 2.5 billion, publicly
listed (Euronext) company with 9,145 employees worldwide. Draka consists of two
groups, Draka Cableteq, which handles the low-voltage and special purpose cable
activities and Draka Comteq, responsible for the production and sale of optical
fibre, cable and communication infrastructure solutions. Draka Comteq is a
global leader in optical fibre technology and cabling solutions, with a
comprehensive suite of network design and engineering services. For more
information please visit www.draka.com
