(I) IT-enabled e-Project Management Practice to assure accurate Telecom Cable Network inventory with remote Smart Quality Control

Abstract

This paper attempts to figure out root causes for the cost and quality control problems facing many telecom operators for managing a large telecom infrastructure project and subsequently the cable network inventory updates. It gives an account of the traditional measures to cope with the problem, and finally it presents the latest methodologies and visions to resolve the problem by using an IT platform. We trust that this IT platform not only would eventually assure the accuracy of the cable network inventory data, but also it should offer the best-balanced total quality management (TQM) platform to minimize any sub-standard work done by subcontractors and/or company direct staff, with enhanced efficiency on project management.

The underlying tricks are: a) real-time data updating in-situ using smartphones or tablets by field technicians to eliminate subsequent paper-based process, and b) remote smart QC that could be done on a 100% basis (with or without an on-site inspection check) by the work supervisors to relief the current labour-intensive QA process based on a sampling basis. Furthermore, the IT platform would ease project financials reporting and subcontractor cost payment control.