Business growth that requires a relocation is something C-level managers both love and hate. They know that expansion will fuel revenue but with a multitude of things to plan and execute, the process to get there is daunting. One larger concern may be the addition of new technology to enhance competition in the big leagues.
CFOs know that the technology side of business relocation can become a major burden. However, headaches don’t have to happen when using some expert help with moving and reconfiguring key technologies. The difficult decisions often boil down to setting up the ISP, phone system, and network to accommodate the altered physical configuration.
A well-thought-out technology move plan can save time, money and aggravation.
Here are some things to consider when you are planning a move.
Transitioning Your Internet Service
Well before the move, experts note you should work with an IT service provider like NPI Technology Management to outline a moving plan. The move team along with your technology services provider should look at the new office space and determine the cabling and equipment needs for your communications.
Part of the move plan is going to involve your Internet connection. It’s important to check what type of options are available at the new location and verify the interfacing cabling needed. Also make sure you have power outlets available where any telecommunications equipment is to be installed.
Most of all, decide on the right Internet provider(s) to give you the best speed and quality to assist your workflow now and as you grow into the future. Making changes later can be disruptive so think out a few years to decide the level of service that will accommodate growth. Check with your landlord or adjacent businesses to discover the available options and which they prefer.
Moving Your Phone System
Transporting your phone system can either become challenging or quite easy, depending on the type of system you currently use. On-premise phone moves require an equipment room and transportation of the physical equipment on move day. In this case, you’ll need to choose a space for the equipment room and make a checklist to determine the new wiring layout before the move. This is a good time to consider switching to VoIP (voice transmitted over a digital network—the internet) because you can eliminate the need for a phone equipment room or phone wiring. VoIP systems simply plug the phones into to your computer switch and new Internet connection without extra equipment. If you’re moving an existing VoIP system, simply notify your provider first and update your physical address to route any 911 calls. When installing a new VoIP system, you can have it set up and tested in the new office prior to the move to make the process much easier.
Setting Up a New Network
Since your network is the core component keeping your business communications flowing, moving it to another location is a little more challenging. Coming into the move date it is important to be doubly sure your server backup routine is solid; plan on making additional tests to verify the recovery process. Since you’re going to be physically moving the computers it is important to also backup up local drives ahead of time. Just like considering switching to a VoIP phone system, this may be a good time to look at the Cloud for your data backup. Consider services such as Canopy Backup and Recovery to be sure all your data is continuously preserved and available when needed.
Once everything is moved and all cabling is attached, it is important to test the applications and important business functions including printing to ensure that the entire system works as expected. Also run a speed test to both the internal data and out to the Cloud to verify that performance is satisfactory.
Don’t hesitate to use professional network advisers such as NPI Technology Management when you have a complicated move. Talk to us for help with all your technology management needs, especially when you’re transitioning to a bigger office space. We provide network monitoring and management while providing reliable forecasting, budgeting, implementation strategies, and risk mitigation.
