Streamlining Visual Compliance and Remote Auditing with Powerful Results: Openreach's Success with Virtual Buddy Technology
In the UK, Openreach is responsible for building and maintaining the country’s digital network, which connects homes and businesses. In collaboration with Openreach, SkillsBase conducted a trial to showcase the potential of the Virtual Buddy Technology as a learning tool to help engineers get it right first time. By improving user compliance and reducing Early Life Failure (ELF) and Truck Rolls, the trial led to a significant decrease in faults among the group of engineers.
See the Virtual Buddy in Action
Watch how our visual compliance and remote auditing tool helped Openreach support field engineers with real-time guidance, automated quality checks, and smarter self-assessments.
Before SkillsBase
Before introducing Virtual Buddy, Openreach faced several key issues:
- MEngineers lacked real-time installation guidance in the field
- MCompliance and quality relied on manager intervention
- MThere was no scalable way to train engineers on new, complex product rollouts
- MRoot causes of faults weren’t consistently tracked or addressed
To improve first-time install accuracy, reduce job failures, and lower truck rolls, Openreach needed a smart, scalable solution that delivered training and support directly to engineers in the field.
With SkillsBase
SkillsBase deployed its Virtual Buddy technology to help Openreach address compliance, reduce errors, and deliver digital-first support on site.
- ZSimple mobile app scanning system—10 seconds or less to use
- ZPeer review system for real-time feedback and crowdsourced learning
- ZUpload-and-review process for issue rectification and quality control
- ZEmbedded feedback loop post-training to reduce repeat visits
- ZOne platform for job support, education, and post-installation coaching
The Results
SkillsBase delivered measurable improvements to Openreach’s training and operational performance.
- Real-time guidance reduced rework and improved confidence
- Engineers trained independently with digital alerts and in-app explanations
- Virtual Buddy was adopted across teams as a core training tool
- Compliance improved without needing direct manager oversight
- Truck rolls and ELFs decreased significantly across regions
The Measurable Impact of Virtual Buddy
From improved installation accuracy to reduced truck rolls, see the tangible results driven by smarter Visual Compliance and Remote Auditing.
%
Reduction in fault rates in most areas
Saved each month on repeat job visits
customers connected to fibre internet
Benefits
Implementing SkillsBase’s solutions provided Openreach with significant benefits, including:
Improved compliance and work quality through effective training, leading to better adherence to best practices among engineers.
As seen in the graph, at the tipping point, engineers were able to self-correct their installations by using the app’s feedback only.
Cost-effective solutions that reduced overall expenses and enhanced fault management, resulting in fewer operational issues and a more reliable network.
Ultimately, this led to better customer service, increased customer satisfaction, and a stronger reputation for reliability within the industry.
TESTIMONIALS
What Openreach Says About Virtual Buddy
Hear how SkillsBase helped transform field operations, reduce errors, and empower engineers with our visual compliance and remote auditing tools, directly from the team that experienced it.
SkillsBase has been an invaluable partner in enhancing our operations at Openreach. Their AI Computer Vision Fault Finding tool has revolutionized how our engineers approach their work, enabling them to get it right the first time, every time. This innovation has significantly reduced network faults and boosted the overall efficiency of our team. The ease and effectiveness of their remote learning platform have also streamlined our training processes, ensuring our engineers are upskilled quickly and effectively. SkillsBase’s commitment to excellence and innovation makes them a trusted partner in driving our success.
Transform Your Operations with SkillsBase AI Virtual Buddy
Virtual Buddy gives engineers the ability to self-check installation quality in real time—providing instant feedback, improved compliance, and fewer site revisits. With rapid deployment and photo-based issue detection, it’s a smarter, more scalable way to train and support your team.