10-Apr-2022
By Terry O’Rourke, President, Common Sense Solutions
Moving is always a pain in the rump, but it doesn’t have to be a horrific, expensive experience. The number one lament from someone who’s experienced a “bad” move is, “I didn’t know I needed to…” followed closely by “I completely forgot that…” In other words, it’s what you don’t do that makes the move a disaster.
To make moving your technology easy and effortless, here are the 4 most common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1 — Not Giving Your Phone, Internet And Cable Vendors Enough Advance Warning
80% of unexpected communications, blackouts and cost overruns on network moves are caused by failure to properly plan voice, data and electrical installation in advance. Just because the prior tenant had computers and telephones is no guarantee that the cabling is suitable for your phones and your computer network. Advance planning will help you avoid emergency rush fees or band aid fixes to make things work.
Internet and telephone connections require as much as six weeks advance notice to be installed, tested and ready the day you move in. Add to that the time you want to spend to look for the right Internet and phone service provider for your new facility.
And if you are building a new office, don’t leave it up to the builder to decide how many power outlets, network and phone connections you will need. Remember, changes and additions after the walls are up are at your expense. With printers, scanners, faxes, and other technologies connecting directly to the network these days, the rule of thumb of one electrical outlet, one phone and one network connection per employee is woefully outdated.
Mistake #2 — Trying To Save Money By Moving Your Own Computer Network
Don’t ask your staff to disconnect, move and reconnect servers, phone equipment and other network devices just to save a few bucks. You’ll frustrate them and end up with phones ringing at the wrong extension, lost cables, and workstations that get dropped rendering them useless. You don’t want to let the movers do this job either; they may be great at moving furniture, but a network is a lot more sophisticated and sensitive. Be smart and hire an IT pro to pack and move and re-set up your network.
Mistake #3 — Not Using A Checklist
This may seem like a no-brainer to those who manage projects, but project management may not be a forte of someone placed in charge of moving your network (like an office admin). Even those who use a list typically fail to make the list detailed enough when it comes to computer equipment and software.
Mistake #4 — Not Hiring The RIGHT IT Firm To Move Your Network
Make sure you know what to look for in an IT company when outsourcing the move. A few things to look for would include references from other clients, proof of insurance, a service level guarantee limiting the amount of time you are down, and a professional, organized approach to quoting the move. A real pro will insist on visiting your current location as well as your new location to conduct a detailed site survey. And NEVER hire anyone who wants to quote moving your network over the phone. Additionally, look for an IT company that will apply the charges for conducting your site survey against the total cost of the move if you choose them.
Common Sense Solutions is a technology solutions company bringing the efficient use of technology to hundreds of small businesses since 1993. Learn more at www.cssworks.com.
