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5 Ways Digital Forms for Telecommunications Improve Installations

Written by Lee Glynn
March 26, 2024
5 Ways Digital Forms for Telecommunications Will Improve Your Installations

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This Is How Digital Forms for Telecommunications & No-Code Apps Will Improve Your Installations

Let’s be honest here, we know that telecom projects are notorious for drowning in paperwork, most of which is illegible if they’re handwritten. If not, it’s down to a million emails checking in on telecom installation processes.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably struggling with overflowing inboxes, misplaced documents, illegible handwriting, and time-consuming data entry which is slowing down the progress of your telecoms installation. This is where digital forms for the telecommunications industry come in as your hero. Say hello to digital forms and no code apps for telecoms designed to make your life easier.

Let’s look at the benefits of using digital forms for telecoms installation and project management, shall we?

6 Ways Digital Forms Slay Common Telecoms Project Pain Points based on REAL user Feedback

These are the actual pain points telecoms professionals have come to us with, solving them with digital forms and no-code apps for the telecommunications industry, built on the forms2 platform.

1. Eliminate Data Entry Errors, Expedite Inspections

Real-world example:

Let’s look at a real-world example from one of our users. Picture yourself as Sarah, a field technician for a major telecom company installing a new 5G tower. You’re tasked with inspecting that new cell tower site, and traditionally, you’d rely on paper forms to record your findings, scribbling down details about signal strength, antenna alignment, and equipment condition. Well, no matter gow good you THINK your handwriting is, this process is prone to errors liek spelling mistakes, illegible handwriting, missing information, and the risk of losing forms altogether in the van or in the rain on the way back to the truck while you trudge through a field. Last but not least, delays can occur in getting the information back to the main office and you’ll probably have to wait for paperwork to reach the relevant departments for review and approval.

Nightmare.

How digital forms for the telecommunications industry solve it:

Template digital inspection forms for the telecommunications industry (built using our no-code app builder) on your mobile device will eliminate these frustrations. With telecom-centric mobile forms you have pre-populated fields, drop-down menus, and mandatory check reminders that ensure consistent and accurate data capture. Photos and videos can be captured and attached directly to the form complete with geo-tagging and what3words integration (should you use it), providing clear visual evidence of your findings on the day, date and location you were at. Real-time data submission means no more waiting – your data is instantly sent to the relevant stakeholders for review as soon as you hit send, expediting approvals and keeping the project moving forward.

Got your attention yet? Read on for more benefits of telecoms digital forms!

2. Automate Workflows, Disconnect from Manual Processes

Real-world example:

Imagine John, a project manager juggling multiple teams working on different aspects of a fibre optic cable rollout – there’s going to be a LOT of different workflows to manage and emails are going to be hard to keep track of. Traditionally, John spends countless hours manually assigning tasks, sending reports, and chasing down signatures for approvals. This not only consumes valuable time but also leaves room for errors and missed deadlines.

If someone doesn’t check the right email at the right time, you’re risking shutting down the project for a few days.

How digital forms for telecoms solve it

Digital forms automate these repetitive tasks that are prone to human error, freeing John to focus on more strategic aspects of the project and actually get the job done on time. Workflows in your no code app built with the forms2 platform can be configured to trigger automatic actions based on digital form submissions. For example, when a technician completes a cable installation form, an automated notification can be sent to the inspection team, assigning them the task to review the work and provide sign-off electronically. This streamlines communication, ensures timely completion of tasks, and minimises the risk of someone turning up to the same site to complete a job that’s already been done!

3. Foster Seamless Collaboration, Destroy Information Silos

Real-world example:

Telecoms teams are not just one or two people. They can be hundreds! Picture a team working on a complex network upgrade project. The engineering team needs access to site survey data collected by the field technicians, while the finance department requires cost estimates and material lists. Traditionally, this information is scattered across paper forms and siloed communication channels, hindering collaboration and slowing down decision-making. Often it’s one or two people’s jobs to actually gather all this information and make sense of it.

How digital forms for telecoms solve it:

Digital forms for the telecommunications industry can be used to create a centralised data hub accessible to all authorised personnel in real-time. All project data, from site surveys with images and inspection reports to cost estimates and work orders, is stored in a single, secure location and uploaded to the cloud. This enables much easier collaboration across different departments, as everyone has access to the latest information they need to perform their tasks effectively and make informed decisions.

Everyone who needs information gets the information they need.

4. Conquer Multi-Skilled Visit (MSV) Challenges:

Real-world example:

Imagine a team of technicians conducting an MSV at a landowner’s premises – perhaps on their way to installing a new 5G tower. Traditionally, paper forms are used to capture data on signal strength, equipment condition, and access agreements – all the usual stuff. This process is cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors, especially when managing hundreds of images for each site and different departments. Worst case scenario the landowner isn’t home and someone else is there arguing that you can’t break ground on the day.

Another nightmare.

How digital forms for telecommunications installation solve it:

Dedicated digital MSV forms streamline the entire process and keep the project moving forward. Technicians can efficiently capture data on their mobile devices, including images, location tags, and even customer signatures. Conditional logic can be used to customise the form based on specific site requirements, ensuring all relevant information is collected at the time. Secure cloud storage ensures data accessibility across departments, facilitating real-time collaboration and efficient project management and users can access the information they need, which is especially handy if the landowner isn’t onsite!

We actually helped a company create a no-code app designed to handle the capture of hundreds of images per site, crucial for documenting the progress of 5G installations as field teams and managers could cross-reference existing images to make sure the site was suitable for the installation. This also ensured compliance with access agreements under the Electronic Communications Code. Read the case study on how forms2 no-code apps improved Multi-Skilled Visit (MSV) Teams with MSV digital forms.

forms2 no-code apps improve Multi-Skilled Visit (MSV) digital forms.jpg

5. Enhance Equipment Management, Streamline Operations

Real-world example:

Imagine a team responsible for managing a vast network of cell towers and other telecommunication installation equipment. Traditionally, paper-based logs are used to track equipment locations, maintenance records, and deployment schedules. This system is prone to errors, making it difficult to locate equipment, schedule preventive maintenance, and identify potential issues before they escalate. There’s nothing worse than trying to find equipment when there’s no paper trail.

How digital forms for telecommunications industry professionals solve it:

Digital equipment management forms not only streamline the entire process of checking in/out equipment but make sure everyone knows WHERE that equipment is. Technicians can use their mobile devices to scan barcodes, log maintenance activities, and report any equipment damage, plus share their location for safety compliance. Automated notifications can be sent to remind teams of upcoming maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and ensuring equipment is kept in optimal condition. Real-time location tracking provides valuable insights into equipment deployment, allowing for optimised resource allocation and improved operational efficiency. You’re nots ending the wrong gear to the wrong site!

6. Bonus: Streamline Work Orders and Enhance Customer Service:

Customer-facing telecommunications professionals, we haven’t forgotten about you!

Real-world example:

Imagine David, a customer service representative, receiving numerous calls from frustrated customers about slow internet speeds (yes it happens). Traditionally, David relies on paper-based work orders filled out by technicians during service calls to check faults on site. These forms often lack crucial details, making it difficult to diagnose the problem and provide timely solutions especially if they’re not filled out correctly.

How digital forms for telecommunications solve it:

Digital work orders accessible through mobile devices like your phone or tablet empower technicians to capture detailed information directly on-site, including customer details, service requests, test results, and required repairs. Offline functionality ensures work orders can be completed even in areas with limited connectivity which is then synced once signal is back up and running. Automated workflows trigger notifications to dispatch the right team for the job and update the customer with the status of their request. This improves communication, reduces resolution times, and ultimately leads to a more positive customer experience overall – a win/win!

Embrace the Power of Digital Forms and no-code apps for telecommunications

Digital forms hold the potential to transform your telecoms projects by conquering common pain points that we KNOW you’re struggling with. They offer a multitude of benefits, including improved accuracy, streamlined workflows, enhanced collaboration, regulatory compliance, cost savings, and improved customer service. Ditch the paper chase and embrace the power of digital forms with forms2.

Let us help you get your telecommunications installations back on track with no-code apps that you can build in days, not months!

Go from no-code beginner to expert in days, not months.

14-day trial. No Fee. No obligation. Try today.

Try the EASIEST digital form & no code app builder

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Watch our case study and see how TD Construction saved £30,000 almost overnight using our no-code app builder.

FAQs

We know you’ve got questions – so here are the most common questions we get asked when companies choose forms2 for digital forms for telecom installations.

What Do You Offer in Terms Of Data Security and Privacy

We prioritize data security and privacy throughout the forms2 platform. We implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information, ensuring confidentiality from end to end. Additionally, forms2 complies with global data protection policies and regulations. Learn more.

How Fast Can I implement forms2 No-code App and Digital Forms?

The transition process is remarkably straightforward. In fact, it takes less than 60 seconds to set up new digital forms using Forms2Mobile. Unlike lengthy implementation timelines that can stretch for months, forms2 gets you up and running in days. Most users find themselves rolling out digital forms within minutes after training.

How Much Money Will I Save Using Digital Forms And No-Code Apps?

  • European Camping Group standardized reporting and data capture processes across 300 sites in Europe, saving a staggering £112,000 in paper and storage costs per year. To date, that accounts for £1.12 million saved. Read the case study HERE.
  • TD Construction Testing, a construction and engineering company, prioritizes data security and integrity and saved £30,000 almost overnight. The reliability and accuracy of forms2 helps them maintain their UKAS certification.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Started With No-Code Apps and Digital Forms?

forms2 provides flexible pricing plans for its app builder.

  • Standard Plan: Starting at $18 per user per month (when paid annually), this plan includes standard features, the ability to build apps and forms, and up to 1500 form submissions per month.
  • Premium Plan: Priced at $23 per user per month (when paid annually), the premium plan offers additional features such as workflow automation, unlimited form submissions, and premium integrations.
  • Enterprise Plan: For larger organizations (starting from 50 users), the enterprise plan provides scalability without limits and includes all premium features. VIEW Pricing.

Is Integration with Existing Systems Possible?:

 YES! The forms2 platform offers seamless integration with various platforms, apps, and services commonly used by telecommunications companies. By connecting your tech stack with forms2, you can centralize data and improve task execution. The integrations directory includes native connectors to services like Amazon Web Services (Amazon S3), Azure SQL, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive. Explore integrations.

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