A turning point for infrastructure management: nationwide digitalisation at cablex
As a leading network infrastructure company, cablex sought a solution for digitalising manual processes, increasing transparency and improving the coordination between technicians in the field and the exchange.
Complete digitalisation of the site acquisition process using the SAR app.
- 24 service locations and approx. 2500 employees
- Sector: construction and telecommunications
- Headquarters: Gümligen
- Complete digitalisation of the site acquisition process using the SAR app.
- Efficiency, transparency and networking of the current processes.
- Flexible expansion of the platform to additional areas of business.
The nationwide expansion of the fibre-optic network in Switzerland is an infrastructure project of crucial significance. To manage the growing levels of complexity while also enhancing efficiency, cablex has opted for digital innovation. In collaboration with Swisscom, a low-code application was developed on the ServiceNow platform that fully digitalises the entire site acquisition process. The result: greater efficiency, transparency and flexibility for uses such as e-mobility – all on a scalable platform.
Mastering the complexity of optical fibre expansion
The expansion of the fibre-optic network in Switzerland is a demanding project that requires seamless workflows, precise documentation and close coordination between all parties involved. As a leading company for network infrastructures, cablex uses state-of-the-art digital solutions to increase efficiency and transparency throughout the entire site acquisition process. In collaboration with Swisscom, the ServiceNow platform was used as a central element for digitalisation.
Manual processes reach their limits
During the expansion of the optical fibre infrastructure, cablex was confronted with ever increasing requirements. Challenges included highly regulated processes, an increasing workload and the need for real-time data for operational decisions. Site acquisition was previously processed manually: from on-site data collection to internal processing. However, the existing tools were no longer able to keep pace with the dynamic nature of the projects. Processes were time-consuming, difficult to scale and provided only a limited overview of project statuses and progress.
The key challenge: intelligently networking processes
The biggest challenge lay in intelligently networking multiple isolated process steps – from scheduling to site acquisition to contract creation – and flexibly responding to new requirements. The lack of a central database hindered smooth coordination between technicians in the field and back-office staff. cablex sought a solution that would both increase employee productivity in the field and enable the simple integration of future areas of use – all without long development cycles or high resource requirements.
The SAR app enables technicians in the field and the exchange to operate together as a highly skilled team.
Low-code as the key to efficiency
cablex worked with Swisscom to develop the SAR app (Site Acquisition Report app) on the basis of the ServiceNow app engine. The app digitally maps the entire site acquisition process:
- Planning and scheduling via a central web interface
- Mobile data collection in the field using the ServiceNow Now Agent app
- Automated creation of contract or cancellation documents
- Bidirectional connection to third-party systems such as Unity, DocGenie and Alfresco
The solution was created as a low-code application to speed up the development process and simplify future modifications and updates. The modular architecture enables the flexible integration of further functions (IRM, SPM, ITOM and CSM), for example for new business areas in the field of e-mobility management.
Noticeable effect in the field and the office
The introduction of the SAR app has made a tangible difference to everyday work at cablex. The end-to-end digitalisation with ServiceNow has eliminated process disruptions, improved coordination between technicians and the back office, and resulted in a noticeable increase in productivity. The SAR app is part of a broader digital strategy that focuses on scalability, modularity and future security. Further applications from areas such as integrated risk management, strategic portfolio management, IT operations and customer service can be integrated into the same platform. This provides room for innovation and prepares the company for future challenges.
