EXFO Unveils TestFlow: New Cloud-Based Process Automation Solution Drives Efficiency and Reduces OPEX

TestFlow empowers operators to optimize field-testing operations, improve productivity and accelerate time-to-revenue

QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 18, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO; TSX: EXF) today announced the launch of TestFlow, its new process automation and compliance solution enabling mobile network operators (MNOs) to easily streamline and automate complex testing procedures during the construction and service turn-up phases of centralized radio access network (C-RAN), of fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA), distributed antenna system (DAS) and small cell deployments. TestFlow improves productivity, ensures compliance to operator-specific methods and procedures, and provides relevant analytics for process optimization. 

With the proliferation of connected mobile devices around the globe, mobile network operators need to modernize their network infrastructures in order to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for high bandwidth. To meet subscriber expectations, many mobile operators are switching from legacy copper‑to-the-antenna to C-RAN, FTTA and DAS infrastructures, with the objective of increasing network capacity and improving service coverage.

TestFlow is a comprehensive solution that automates the test process and ensures compliance. Backed by EXFO's industry-acclaimed expertise, TestFlow empowers operators to track deployment progress, audit test results in real time, and analyze process inefficiencies to optimize fronthaul mobile network deployment and performance.

The TestFlow cloud-based application works in conjunction with multiple data sources, such as EXFO's fleet of FTB Ecosystem field-testing products, as well as third-party field test devices. TestFlow greatly simplifies tasks for field technicians by breaking down complex test procedures into a step-by-step automated sequence that guarantees technicians have access to the right test parameters and procedures, in turn certifying that network construction and installation jobs are completed correctly and to the right specifications/thresholds. The end result is fewer installation issues and project errors, and a significant reduction in repeat truck rolls. 

TestFlow also comes with powerful reporting capabilities—all test data is centrally stored to facilitate assessment via contextually relevant analytics. This gives operators real-time visibility into field-testing performance, and the ability to quickly identify performance trends and project status for informed business decisions. 

"With TestFlow, EXFO is bringing forward a highly differentiated application to comprehensively address field test process automation and compliance for operators. Our aim is to drive efficiency and reduce operating expenses by automating the flow of information effectively and accurately throughout critical testing phases in the field, and to empower decision-makers with access to actionable, real-time and trusted data," said Stéphane Chabot, Vice-President of EXFO's Physical-Layer Test Division. "TestFlow ultimately ensures highly efficient and better-quality jobs, enabling service providers to maximize return on investment through on‑schedule project delivery and a significant reduction in future service issues."

For a product demonstration, visit EXFO at booth 6K36 (Hall 6) at the 2016 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, from February 22 to 25.

For more details, please visit EXFO.com/TestFlow.

About EXFO
EXFO enables extraordinary experiences over global networks. Our test, service assurance and network visibility solutions allow network operators and equipment manufacturers to deliver a wealth of services to consumers, while increasing network capacity and reducing operating costs. From a company executive holding a telepresence meeting with overseas staff to a runner transferring data from wearable technology, EXFO's inherent expertise and powerful analytics render these events commonplace. Simply put, we have evolved over our 30-year history to ensure unmatched quality of service and quality of experience on next-generation fixed and mobile networks. EXFO has a staff of approximately 1500 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com and follow us on the EXFO Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

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SOURCE EXFO inc.

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