Understanding the total cost of pole data collection

In the fast-paced world of electric utility and communications infrastructure, managing overhead assets like poles, wires, and equipment efficiently is crucial. Accurate field data collection and management is key to maintaining and upgrading these essential networks. Advanced data acquisition and project management solutions can help, however, it’s essential to consider not only the hardware and software costs when evaluating various technologies. Here, we explore the eight components that make up the total cost of fielding and why selecting the right solutions can significantly impact your bottom line.

1) Field Crew Resources

One of the primary considerations in the total cost of fielding is the size of the field crew. Advanced field data collection solutions enable efficient operation with smaller crews, significantly reducing labor costs. For instance, IKE Office Pro and IKE Device allow a single technician to perform all necessary tasks, unlike traditional methods that require two-person crews for safety and efficiency. This reduction in crew size translates to substantial cost savings in wages, training, and logistics.

Another key consideration in total fielding costs is training. Training field crews and back-office staff can be a major time and resource drain. The IKE Device and IKE Office Pro are designed for ease of use and to minimize time to train.

2) Field Safety Risks

Using traditional stick-based technology comes with inherent risks. Field technicians often need to work in intersections and other high-traffic areas, increasing the potential for accidents. Beyond traffic hazards, there are other safety risks associated with manual measurements, such as the need to cross property lines or jump fences, which can lead to encounters with guard dogs or difficult property owners.

Additionally, accessing poles often involves navigating through thick vegetation, which poses risks like poison ivy, insect bites, and other animal encounters. In mountainous areas, the need to scale steep or difficult terrain increases the risk of falls. Advanced fielding solutions reduce the need for such manual interventions, allowing technicians to collect data remotely and with greater flexibility. This minimizes on-site risks and improves overall safety for field crews.

3) Re-Collects

One of the significant hidden costs in field data acquisition is the expense of re-collects due to inaccurate or incomplete data. Traditional methods often require multiple visits to the same pole, leading to increased labor costs, travel expenses, and project delays. By utilizing advanced fielding solutions such as IKE Device and IKE Office Pro, you can dramatically reduce the need for re-visits. These tools offer custom forms and multiple validation points, ensuring that high-quality, accurate data is collected in just one trip. This not only saves time and money but also enhances overall project efficiency and reliability.

4) Data Uploads and Management

Data integrity and management are critical for effective infrastructure maintenance. Relying on a physical connection to complete data uploads drastically slows down progress, and high occurrences of image upload failures can lead to costly field recollections. Advanced fielding solutions like IKE Office Pro ensure seamless data uploads over wifi and robust cloud-based project management. Centralized data management systems make it easy to build, manage, and share projects online, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the most up-to-date information without the risk of data loss or upload failures.

5) Location Data Accuracy

Accurate location data is paramount for infrastructure management. IKE Office Pro includes high-accuracy GNSS within the IKE Device itself, delivering precise location measurements at 1m accuracy without the need for expensive external equipment. For even higher accuracy, the RTK Network option can be purchased, providing accuracy as good as 3cm. In contrast, other solutions require external GPS/GNSS devices to achieve similar accuracy, with phone GPS typically offering only 4-5m accuracy. This inherent accuracy in the IKE Device ensures your field data is both precise and cost-effective.

6) Comprehensive Integration Without Hidden Costs

Fielding software solutions often come with hidden costs, especially regarding integration with Pole Loading Analysis (PLA) tools. Some solution providers charge expensive add-on fees for PLA and offer limited integration options, so it’s crucial to choose a solution that provides seamless integration with all leading PLA systems in the market as well as other downstream applications, such as GIS, asset management, and work permit applications. Adopting a comprehensive approach eliminates unexpected expenses and ensures that your data workflows remain uninterrupted and efficient.

7) All-Inclusive and Cost-Effective

When choosing a fielding solution, it’s important to consider what’s included in your investment in terms of features and support. Look for solutions that offer an all-inclusive package covering software, data management, hardware warranties, third-party integrations, and customizable deliverables as this approach can provide value and peace of mind. By avoiding à la carte fees and high second-year subscription costs, you can ensure there are no unexpected expenses for device maintenance, swaps, or service, making your investment more predictable and manageable.

8) Efficient Data Management for Large Organizations

Managing data across large organizations with multi-regional teams can be challenging. Competitors often struggle with data repository management, making it difficult to find and manage information. IKE Office Pro simplifies this process with its intuitive cloud-based platform, enabling easy access, organization, and retrieval of pole data. This efficiency ensures that large teams can collaborate effectively and maintain consistent data quality.

When selecting a fielding solution, considering the total cost of fielding is crucial. The right solution should help you reduce field crew sizes, ensure reliable data uploads, integrate seamlessly with PLA tools, deliver superior location accuracy, and provide comprehensive pricing models. By adopting advanced fielding technology, electric utilities, communications companies, and their engineering service providers can significantly reduce fielding costs, enhance data accuracy, and streamline project management.

Learn more about the IKE Device and IKE Office Pro