Use Case – Data Update Reduced from 5 Months to 2 Minutes with MarlinDT

Geplaatst op 14 December 2025 door Liesbeth De Ryck

American Operator Chooses MarlinDT for Efficiency and Real-Time Insights

A leading American wholesale network operator has replaced its outdated GIS system with MarlinDT. The result? Seamless integration of infrastructure and connectivity, real-time field insights, and a huge leap in efficiency for the Network Operation Center (NOC).

 

About the Customer

The customer is a major American wholesale network operator with an extensive footprint. They manage a transcontinental network connecting the East and West Coasts of the United States, while also providing international connectivity. Their network is defined by long-haul routes, heavy-duty cables containing vast numbers of fibers, and high splicing complexity.
Key Points:
  • Replaced legacy GIS with MarlinDT
  • Seamless integration of infrastructure and connectivity
  • Real-time insights for both field teams and the NOC
  • Transcontinental, complex network with international reach
  • Focused on efficiency and scalability

 

The Challenge: Outdated Data and Systems

The operator managed its fiber optic network using a legacy solution (Enghouse Network GIS) running on an outdated version of Esri ArcGIS. This situation created two major issues:
  • Technical Debt: The old ArcGIS version was in urgent need of an upgrade to meet current standards.
  • Data Delays: There was a significant lag in processing field data. On average, it took five months for changes in the field (as-built information) to become visible in back-office systems.
The operator was seeking a future-proof solution—one that would be compatible with the latest version of ArcGIS and provide instant, comprehensive insight into their complex splicing requirements.

 

MarlinDT: The Complete Digital Twin Solution for Network Operators

After an extensive market evaluation, the American wholesale operator selected MarlinDT as their digital twin platform. The decisive factor was MarlinDT’s ability to manage both physical infrastructure and logical connectivity within a single integrated solution—complete with full GIS functionality.

Integrated Network Management

MarlinDT unifies physical infrastructure and logical connectivity within a single platform, providing complete visibility and control.

Real-Time Data Exchange

Field technicians always have access to up-to-date project data and can make changes instantly, ensuring optimal collaboration between field and office teams.

Instant Splicing Updates

Splicing information can be updated on-site by technicians, ensuring an accurate and up-to-date network administration.

Virtual Inspection with Google Street View

Engineers can efficiently assess local conditions from the office, minimizing costly and time-consuming site visits.

The Result: From 5 Months to 2 Minutes

The implementation of MarlinDT has transformed operational processes:

Extreme Time Savings

The delay in updating the geospatial telecom digital twin has been reduced from five months to just two minutes.

Reliable NOC Data

With the back office now equipped with up-to-date data, the Network Operation Center (NOC) can rely completely on the fiber connectivity information in the system. This significantly accelerates both troubleshooting and provisioning.

Splicing Insights

The complex management of thousands of fibers and splices is now visual and manageable, reducing errors.

The Role of Merkator Group

Merkator served as a strategic partner throughout this project. We managed the complex data migration from Enghouse Network GIS to MarlinDT, handled installation and configuration on the latest ArcGIS versions, and provided comprehensive team training. Additionally, Merkator continues to deliver ongoing support to ensure the continuity of this critical network.

 

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