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We went from the Morse code to the first transatlantic phone in less than 100 years, and the industry’s not slowing down.
With research and development for 6G and new tech integrations for the Internet of Things and AI, we’re seeing bigger and bolder visions for bringing reliable utilities to people.
Unfortunately, many of the processes for providing services aren’t efficient or tailored to each team’s distinct needs. As we raise the bar for better internet and connections, we also need to expect more from the software and solutions we use to connect communities.
We need software that’s flexible enough to optimize workflows, adapting to support the challenges teams are facing.
Reusing Records for ROW
Our Client Services team helps us make sure Katapult Pro flexes to meet the needs of our clients with custom configurations and coding projects.
For example, our permitting team kept getting bogged down when requesting right-of-way information.
Before the utility we support can perform significant construction (pole replacements, placing new poles, putting in anchors, etc), the team needs to alert the appropriate DOT office or other rights holders to figure out what info is needed to submit a permit. Oftentimes there are fees and the entities will require traffic workarounds during construction that need to be addressed.
Once they have the ROW records, the info is stored as images or PDFs on the pole within Katapult Pro.
Unfortunately, notifying rights holders to get their go-ahead and getting the relevant information can take the permits team anywhere from a few days to several months.
To reduce calendar days and eliminate much of the hassle, the coding team is creating a tool that harvests ROW data from past jobs.
The tool will check old jobs for poles that share the same state road as the poles currently in the make ready process and pull the ROW records to the new job.
Storing the ROW data in nodes creates a growing library that the team can access quickly to streamline the permitting process.
Expanding API Map Layers
While the real goal of custom coding projects is to support clients, the work also gives our team insight into future platform updates. For example, to help address API requests, a recent Katapult Pro feature improves API functionality for users.
Before, users had to access map layers in a different platform and compare them with the maps in Katapult Pro, which created room for human error and was tough to navigate (after all, some map layers are incredibly detailed). Or, they could download and import the layer to Katapult Pro, but the size of the imports slowed the platform down.
Instead, the team created an API that lets users display layers hosted in other software or databases on Katapult Pro maps. Because the layers aren’t directly hosted on the platform Katapult Pro isn’t affected, but having access to the maps all in one place gives users a cleaner view to work off of.
Workflows that Work
No two teams are alike, so no two workflows should be identical. The ability to tweak, adjust, customize, and optimize processes and platforms helps improve your team’s quality of life and reduces the burden on your staff.
Site license hours help our clients adjust Katapult Pro to meet their unique needs—the hours are included with every site license so you can dictate your solution and optimize the platform based on the work you’re doing.
Some common examples include:
Data Exports: By starting with the end goal and working backward, Custom Services can help figure out what data you need, how to structure it, and what the best custom export should look like for your client. Exports help create consistent reporting for utility and are far more efficient for contractors.
New Tools: Some workflows can be automated to just take a push of a button, instead of multiple steps that create lots of friction. New tools simplify lengthy steps to improve the software for all users.
API Functionality: Custom and specific API requests let teams expand their capabilities, with robust API functions that let Katapult Pro communicate with other systems and software.
The software you use should work for you, not require clunky workarounds.
The appeal of out-of-the-box systems and quick implementation can turn sour when default software begins to feel rigid and restrictive.
The right solution is flexible enough to help you tackle new opportunities and allow for continuous improvement.
Thanks for reading! Katapult Pro was built based on the work our Engineering Services team does every day, and our team and our clients keep informing new ways to improve the platform. For more info on site license hours or consulting, reach out to our support team at support@katapultengineering.com!
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