Annually about 20% of all commercial leases are due. A significant number of tenants move to larger or smaller rooms in other buildings or move to different offices in the same building.
As the move is organized, special attention is often paid to the design of the new space, the new furniture and even the lighting. However, the key to the success of the new office relocation is how detailed the relocation planning is regarding the technology interface.
To operate a modern office and serve the needs of clients, free access to computers and the Internet is essential. With computers come servers that have their own cooling requirements. Computer network cabling, telephone jacks, and electrical outlets are just a small part of the planning required to get a modern office up and running.
Problems with relocation and technology upgrades are becoming more prevalent along with rising moving costs. Current relocation plans try to minimize downtime, but with technology it’s getting more difficult. In the past, a few temporary phone lines and a few tables could keep an office running while the move was in progress. Today it is much more complicated.
What good is a beautiful office space with inadequate wiring, cables, or plugs? And if it is enough now, provisions are made for future technological demands in the business. Also, if the business is growing, is it necessary to upgrade the computer and network system? With proper planning, your business won’t waste valuable time and resources trying to catch up.
Once you’ve made the decision to upgrade your computer systems, here’s a short checklist that should help you start planning and resolving technology issues for your relocation:
1. Are all files backed up in case of loss or destruction?
2. Can the systems be moved without damaging them?
3. Will all machinery (computers, printers, servers, etc.) be securely boxed and bubble wrapped?
4. Will there be enough cats in each workspace?
5. Is there adequate cooling (24/7), now and for anticipated increases, for our servers?
6. How do all the systems move so they don’t get damaged?
7. Will the server system be placed in the best location?
8. Is the electrical energy in each area sufficient for our needs?
9. Is building management flexible enough to adapt to our technological needs?
10. Is the cabling and cabling enough to handle all of our high-speed equipment? Y;
11. Will you have immediate access to all your data in the new location?
There may be additional questions that need to be answered and planned for, but this list of eleven areas should get you started. In today’s ever-changing technological world, none of these areas can be taken for granted or left to chance. Proper planning means no surprises, no lost business, no future growth accommodated, and no costly technology failures.
