Project Management in Telecommunications
Welcome to the December 2008 issue of GL's consulting newsletter. In this issue, we focus on project management in telecommunications.
Successful management of a project would lead to resource optimization and better execution. As one definition goes, project management deals with systematic planning and organizing to accomplish a specific, usually, a one-time effort. Specifically, project management seeks to:
- Define project scope: goals and objectives
- Identify and specify tasks/sub-tasks
- Estimate resource requirements
- Identify and allocate resources
- Prepare and execute a project plan
- Manage critical paths on the project plan
- Ensure project completion on time and under budget
Project management of a typical telecommunications system or a network would involve managing numerous tasks successfully. For example, an outdoor telecom construction, say a microwave tower or a shelter construction, would include:
- Site Survey - Assess requirements for site construction and conduct site surveys
- Order for Services (OFS) Review- Review and verify that OFS accurately describes actual work requirements
- Deliverables - Get an agreement with customers and contractors on deliverables. The deliverables may include survey reports, tower
loading analysis, permits, as-built drawings, ground certifications, concrete certifications, construction photos, etc
- Project Review - Review tasks and expectations with contractors. Review progress periodically and provide feedback to contractors and
other project stakeholders
- Coordination - Coordinate with all appropriate teams. They include customers, contractors, vendors of materials and equipment, and other
stakeholders
- Inspection - Inspect during various construction phases (civil, electrical, etc.).Verify that contractors follow specifications and design
guidelines and that quality of execution is excellent
- Cutover - Commission the service
The role of a good project management in successful execution of a project cannot be over-emphasized. GL Communications Inc., over the past twenty-two years, has successfully managed numerous telecom projects of significant importance. They include:
- Public Safety 700 MHz/800 MHz Microwave Systems: GL managed site acquisition,
tower and shelter construction, logistics and coordination with vendors and contractors for public safety microwave systems.
- Cellular Systems: GL managed engineering services, coordination of vendors and contractors, deployment logistics for turnkey systems, etc.
for over 100 cellular systems nationwide
- Tunnel Radio Communications Systems: Our engineers have planned
and implemented an underground communications system for a mass transit network that would provide seamless radio coverage of mass transit clients,
public safety, local police and fire departments
- Simulcast UHF Land Mobile Radio Systems: We have provided project
management during the construction phases of radio systems
- Fiber Optic Communications Systems:GL has managed fiber optic
cable installations, OTDR and precision testing, right-of-way coordination
- Telephone Network: We have provided oversight to installation and integration of a large telephone network
- Train Control Systems :We have managed installation and system
integration, inspection services and other field activities for train control signaling and
overhead catenary systems
- Station Communications Equipment Cabinets:GL has provided its expertise in civil and electrical construction, and laying of conduits. GL has also coordinated local permits and zoning clearances for installation of outdoor cabinets to house state-of-the-art equipment at mass transit stations
Benefits to customers
GL's customers have greatly benefited from our project management expertise and have appreciated us for successful completion of projects. Our team has ensured that the projects are completed efficiently, on time and under budget, enabling our customers to implement the services as planned.
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