Install the latest firmware for DSAM — now StrataSync Enabled

A new firmware version is available for the DSAM (XT and non-XT versions) that provides support for StrataSync asset management software and also offers other updates. The firmware version is 4.3 for XT hardware and 3.8 for non-XT hardware.

The new firmware can be found under Firmware Update on the Asset homepage in StrataSync. Contact your system administrator if you have any problems.

The firmware will also be available in late June via the DSAM product page on jdsu.com.

Attend JDSU Complimentary Home Certification 2.0 Webinar, February 21, 2013

The home certification test and data collection process verifies installation quality. The workforce accountability assures installation quality improvement and churn reduction. The process also improves workforce efficiency – saving time and operating expense. Home certification is more than fleet management. It incorporates asset (test instrument) inventory management and test data collection and analysis. With automated tests, the home certification process simplifies testing and enables more complete testing in less time. Again, the data collection and analysis aspect builds in accountability. The end result is customer retention and lower costs.

 

The main objective of home certification is to make sure the drop is performing according to plan for all services, including ensuring that CPE can communicate with the cable company back office systems within defined specifications. A successful test process reduces the potential for failure in future self-installs, when the customer decides to upgrade services for example. The test regimen also collects detailed information that can be included in future “state-of-the-network” analysis. When there are problems affecting performance at the tap, the home certification data is essential for referrals to higher tier servicing. To put it in a nutshell though, the main goal is to reduce repeat service calls, reduce the total number of service calls, and increase customer satisfaction.
A new webinar, Home Certification 2.0 will provide an overview of home certification needs and recommended practices.  The session will include a walk through the process, showing how the use of a new iPad application makes it especially quick and easy for the technician to follow the procedure.
DSAMobile iPAD Home Certification 

Service Tech Tool Nips Repeats in the Bud

Repeat service calls consume a lot of time and effort, not to mention the cost to operations and potential to lose customers in this very competitive market. Often initial service attempts lean toward expediency and the easy “solution” is to replace the CPE. Unfortunately, most of the time the problem is not CPE related. These calls are typically caused by cable, connectors, and craftsmanship issues.
Most service techs are equipped with at least a meter. If the meter is used, it can definitely help find problems in the home network. Optimally the tech would have a tool that simplifies and speeds a complete test of the home network.
This tool is now available, and is called SmartID. Users of the innovative SmartID tool are finding that it helps them solve problems quickly, not only by determining that there is a problem, but pinpointing its location by providing the distance from the nearest network component.
As the effectiveness of this tool is proven, cable systems are deploying them throughout their service tech workforce, and are saving time, money and customers. For more information see our web site www.jdsu.com/go/smartid or contact your JDSU representative.