Building the NBN, one iPhone at a time

The app was developed organically as engineers worked out what served them best in terms of using audio, video or data streaming to survey a rollout site. The data was collated and then transmitted live to the NBN Co database using the iPhone app. The project included ‘for construction’ diagrams, outside plant equipment selection, methodology and decision matrices for design rules, documentation on asset identification, optical budget planning, production of the bill of materials, and engagement with local utility suppliers – and the local council. To support the iPhone application, the Downer/Kordia team also developed an asset database register called KOST (Kordia Operations Services Team). The database allows for asset information to be collected during the field scoping phase for use during the design phase. The database comes complete with photos, asset location, customer property entry information, conduit requirements and more. “The intention of the iPhone application is to enhance the efficiency of data collection in the field with immediate upload capabilities,” said Kordia MD Peter Robson. 

This case study formed part of a feature that was originally published in the April/May 2012 issue of Government Technology Review.