The Client
Our client is one of the UK’s largest telecommunications organisations. A major player in the fibre-optic broadband market, offering enterprise- level networking and telecommunications solutions, including fibre-optic broadband, to businesses across the UK.
It was facing several challenges around the efficient planning and deployment of its fibre network, particularly in relation to its ability to identify new business prospects and optimise infrastructure proactively.
The Challenge
The organisation was grappling with two primary issues related to fibre network planning and sales processes:
1. Data Sharing and Monetisation Issues
The company struggled to monetise and share its existing fibre network data effectively across departments. Their network planning data was disconnected from customer acquisition efforts, creating inefficiencies and making it difficult for the sales team to identify and target businesses that could be served by their existing network.
2. Inefficient Sales and Network Planning Processes:
The sales team lacked visibility into the availability of fibre infrastructure, resulting in a reactive process. They would only assess fibre availability after receiving customer inquiries, often resulting in missed opportunities or inefficient resource allocation. Sales teams had to consult the network planning team to determine if existing fibre could service a new customer or if new infrastructure would be required, leading to delays and additional costs.
The reactive nature of this process not only caused operational inefficiencies but also contributed to the company’s significant reliance on leasing fibre lines from competitors, further increasing operational expenses (OPEX). Additionally, the company’s ability to identify strategic fibre expansion opportunities was limited, causing them to miss out on valuable contracts.
The Solution
Oakland’s solution was focused on understanding data from across the business and designing a user-friendly interface to support better decision-making across both the Enterprise Sales Team and the Network Planning Team.
Our user-centric design approach included:
Engaging Stakeholders
We began by facilitating workshops with key stakeholders from both the Enterprise Sales Team and the Network Planning Team. These workshops allowed us to understand their pain points, workflows, and data needs, ensuring that the final solution addressed their specific challenges and objectives.
Data Visualisation and Mapping
A core part of the solution was the integration of GIS mapping data, and customer data into an interactive, visual dashboard. This dashboard enabled the sales team to instantly view where fibre was available in relation to potential customers, giving them the insights needed to make faster, more informed decisions.
Building the User Interface
The solution provided an intuitive interface design that would enable sales teams to quickly identify which customers could be served by existing fibre lines, and where new infrastructure was needed – as well as the propensity of those customers to buy further services.
The mapping capabilities gave them a clear view of fibre availability, including proximity to key business districts, reducing the time spent searching.
The Outcome
By delivering a UX-designed front-end for a Fibre customer prospecting effort, the Networks team now have visibility into the way that they can break down the silos of data between the Networks and Enterprise teams.
The Results
By identifying opportunities to expand existing infrastructure, rather than relying on costly leased lines from competitors, the company now has the blueprint to delivering a tool that will drive tangible value and generate revenue from their data.
“The integration of fibre availability data has completely changed the way we approach network planning and sales.
“The solution has streamlined our processes, reduced our reliance on leased fibre, and helped us proactively target customers in high-demand areas. It has not only improved our operational efficiency but also positioned us to grow our business in a more cost-effective and strategic manner.”
Digital Enablement Manager
Wave ‘goodbye’ to silos of data between teams.
Get in touch to learn how we can help you to use your data to drive value and grow revenue.