A lifecycle approach

Wōden is a multidisciplinary engineering firm specializing in the full lifecycle of telecommunication and rural electric projects. With deep expertise in the industries’ complex oversight requirements, as well as joint-use permitting and construction processes, Wōden enables providers to efficiently deliver reliable connectivity to underserved communities. Wōden is recognized for their complete, compliant, and construction-ready design packages — from feasibility studies and funding strategy support, to detailed outside plant (OSP) design, permitting coordination, and construction support.

This end-to-end capability allows clients to move seamlessly from planning to execution. “We don’t just produce drawings,” Wōden President Derek Larson explains. “We deliver design packages that can immediately transition into permitting and construction. Our focus on outcomes over outputs sets us apart.”

Underlying this approach is a rigorous set of quality assurance workflows that ensure every design is precise, consistent, and compliant with applicable standards before leaving the desk. Wōden also places strong emphasis on client alignment and workflow integration, delivering CAD, GIS, KMZ, and documentation in whatever formats best integrate with the client’s systems. This adaptability ensures that projects not only meet design and regulatory requirements but are also operationally efficient for those managing them.

Before IKE: Traditional tools, inconsistent results

Prior to adopting IKE, Wōden’s field crews collected data using a range of traditional tools: hot sticks, laser rangefinders, mobile phone photos, notebooks, and manual data entry into CAD or GIS.

Accuracy varied from one fielder to another, measurements sometimes conflicted, and handwritten notes could be misinterpreted once they reached the office. Even with experienced teams, recollections to verify missing or unclear measurements were common. Beyond delaying progress, repeat site visits increased costs for both Wōden and their clients, particularly in rural areas where poles are spread across long distances.

Noteworthy gains in accuracy and efficiency with IKE

The adoption of the IKE Device and IKE Office Pro marked a turning point for Wōden in both accuracy and efficiency. Standardized, field-hardened, and cloud-connected, the IKE Device allowed fielders to consolidate multiple tools into one. With GPS-linked measurements and annotated photos taken directly in the field, Wōden eliminated redundant steps and avoided opportunities for error.

“The efficiencies have been noteworthy,” says Larson. “We’ve cut field time by 30–40%, and office processing time is nearly half of what it used to be, thanks to the elimination of manual re-keying and data validation.”

Wōden also reduced the frequency of costly return trips by ensuring all necessary measurements and attachments are accurately captured on the first visit.

With IKE Office Pro, specialists can measure every aspect of the OSP infrastructure, including poles, spans, separation, equipment, attachment height, midspan height, and location. Heights of attachment are captured with up to 5 centimeter accuracy and pole location with up to 3 centimeter accuracy.

Streamlining processes in the field and back office

Handwritten notes and project folders filled with untagged photos have been replaced by structured, reliable data and images tied directly to individual assets. With each pole geotagged, time-stamped, and annotated, office teams can immediately begin design work once fielders upload their data to the cloud.

This eliminates delays and reduces rework during permitting reviews, since the supporting documentation is clear, standardized, and easily traceable. “IKE removes the uncertainty,” Larson notes. “Instead of piecing together information from handwritten notes and scattered photos, engineers have structured data ready to use.”

Pole clearance measurements, attachment heights, and condition assessments are common sticking points for utility and broadband projects. Traditionally, these tasks required careful manual measurements, often completed under difficult circumstances and prone to human error.

IKE’s digitized and standardized process allows Wōden’s crews to capture important data points more consistently. The result is greater confidence that office teams have all the information they need to proceed with design, permitting, and client deliverables, without second-guessing or chasing down missing information.

A central hub for collaboration

One of the most significant benefits Wōden has realized is the centralization of field data and photos within IKE Office Pro. Rather than juggling fragmented data sources, stakeholders now access a single source of truth.

Offering a single source of truth for project data has resonated strongly with clients, who value being able to directly view field measurements and annotated photos. This increases their confidence in Wōden’s deliverables, reduces the number of clarification requests, and has even shortened internal approval processes.

“Transparency is key,” says Larson. “When a client can see what we’re seeing in the field, it builds trust and helps them move faster on their end.”

Meeting tight deadlines with confidence

Broadband and utility projects often operate under accelerated schedules tied to funding availability and regulatory oversight. Missing deadlines can mean missed opportunities for clients and communities. For Wōden, IKE has become central to delivering both speed and compliance.

“IKE allows us to deliver high-quality work faster,” Larson notes. “That helps our clients secure approvals, reduce delays, and ultimately get essential infrastructure in place sooner. For Wōden, IKE has become a cornerstone of our process in delivering both speed and compliance.”

With IKE, Wōden has achieved measurable improvements: reduced field and analysis time, stronger data accuracy, streamlined permitting, and enhanced transparency for stakeholders. Most importantly, Wōden has strengthened their ability to empower rural and telecommunication clients to build reliable networks faster, fueling connectivity and economic growth for the communities those networks serve.

“IKE allows us to deliver high-quality work faster. That helps our clients secure approvals, reduce delays, and ultimately get essential infrastructure in place sooner. For Wōden, IKE has become a cornerstone of our process in delivering both speed and compliance.”

Derek Larson
President
Wōden