STEMC builds high-speed fiber network a year ahead of schedule

The Solution

Visualizing the entire build on a map at the start of the project enabled the required visibility to make planning and resourcing decisions. The requirement to be agile in the build and move with and to opportunities was apparent from the start. Render’s geospatial technology allows for a non-linear construction workflow, enabling STEMC to start a project and jump to different areas as needed based on permitting delays, funding or unserved locations, or resourcing gaps. This approach delivered enormous benefits, especially when construction started on March 25, 2020, just after the world stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital construction provided opportunities to optimize field crews working on STEMC’s network to maintain the required pace. Crews were only sent ready tasks with dependencies completed. These tasks included detailed work, location, materials, and data capture instructions leaving no question as to what needs to be done and when and keeping an accurate record of materials utilized for accounting and payments.

STEMC's lean project team seamlessly moved from construction to connecting customers. "Customer drops have been the biggest hurdle for us. Render makes this so much easier with fiber management and CRM integration," said Blake Steggall, Director, Fiber Operations.

The Results

Through improved field crew utilization and data management, STEMC experienced a 30% reduction in planned construction timelines.

Additionally, Render enabled STEMC to meet strict federal and state funding deadlines, and equally be reimbursed promptly due to the real-time availability and accuracy of data to better manage the construction process.