Desktops
The key indicator of the success of a business move is level of downtime. ‘Desktop services’ are essential to this.
Audit
Early in the planning process, complete an audit of all desktop equipment in your current workplace. Include:
- PC monitors
- Hard drives (and the software used at each position)
- Keyboards
- Docking stations
- Printers
- Other electrical devices such as PDA cradles, dictaphone machines and telephones
The information gathered should include:
- Floor/ location
- Name, serial/asset numbers
- Equipment type
- Voice/data port details
Everything should be collated into a spreadsheet format for easy reference.
Dispose and replace?
A business move offers the opportunity to update or replace equipment such as old computer monitors with new flat screens. Don’t forget there are a number of regulations and directives governing the disposal of electrical equipment. Your removal company or contractors will be able to help, and also advise about the options for recycling.
Planning for the move
It is likely your entire move sequence will be dictated by IT requirements.
Project Manager
Your moving company will offer a specialist technical project manager to work with your IT department. They will use the audits to complete a feasibility study and risk analysis before devising a relocation plan, which will include:
- Data and system back up
- Under floor requirements
- New rack configurations
- Labelling
- New layouts
- Connectivity
- Schedules for patching of data
Activity schedule
You will need to agree a separate resource and activity schedule for your IT systems to include:
- Back up times
- Disconnection and re-connection times
- Testing
- Roll-out
- Supply
- Installation and support
Engineers and technicians
You may need additional engineers and technicians to help on move day. As soon as you have confirmed the date, book the resources you need.