SBA Communications Enhances Contractor Safety and Compliance with Avetta Solutions

• Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
• Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
• Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Connectivity Platforms

• Telecommunications

• Field Services
• Quality Assurance

• Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
• System Integration

With almost 30,000 cell towers globally, many in remote locations, SBA Communications subcontracts repair and upgrade services to a network of almost 2,500 independent contractors. Given the potentially dangerous working environments at the cell tower sites, SBA wanted to ensure its contractors were compliant with government safety regulations and insurance requirements. However, without a central database and search capability for contractor information, checking this data was a time-consuming manual process. After a spike in cell-tower-related injuries in 2014, SBA wanted a contractor safety and compliance solution. They needed a more efficient way to manage contractor safety and compliance without hiring additional staff.

SBA Communications is a leading independent owner and operator of wireless communications infrastructure across North, Central, and South America. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, SBA generates revenue from site leasing and site development services. The company manages almost 30,000 cell towers globally and subcontracts repair and upgrade services to a network of almost 2,500 independent contractors. Given the potentially dangerous working environments at the cell tower sites, SBA is committed to ensuring its contractors are compliant with government safety regulations and insurance requirements.

After reviewing solutions from several competing vendors, SBA chose Avetta to provide their cloud-based supply chain qualification solution. Avetta's solution includes Supplier Prequalification, Supplier Audits, and Insurance Monitoring. The implementation began in spring 2015, and Avetta quickly onboarded SBA's contractors, surpassing initial goals. Supplier Prequalification ensures fast and accurate collection and verification of contractor data, allowing SBA to define compliance criteria and quickly see which contractors are qualified. Supplier Audits provide comprehensive reviews of safety procedures, including employee manuals and training logs, with detailed reports and recommendations. Insurance Monitoring allows contractors to easily upload their certificates of insurance, which are thoroughly reviewed by Avetta's specialists. The solution automatically notifies SBA of changes in a contractor’s insurance status and when their insurance is about to expire.

• SBA can now confidently verify contractor safety compliance and insurance, giving them significantly improved visibility of contractor accountability.
• With anytime, anywhere mobile access, both contractors and management can retrieve information from the field.
• The solution helps the safety team improve efficiency and be proactive about changing safety measures.

• Saved approximately US$100,000 in employee costs.
• Initial goal was to have 500 contractors in the system by the end of the first year, but Avetta had 1,300 contractors onboarded.