What do Rome and an organization’s wireless network installation have in common? Neither was built in a day. In the interconnected world, IT projects are becoming more complex. A plethora of enterprise systems integrate with one another and making a change to one system requires regression testing to ensure other systems are not negatively affected.
A wireless rollout is no different than any other IT project; it requires careful planning and quality checks during implementation. Don’t leave anything to chance, especially when your access to hardware, software, and data across a wireless network may require a faster than average process.
Here are a few elements every wireless technology rollout project should contain to ensure success.
Network Site Design
The cornerstone of every successful IT project is a comprehensive project plan, of which network site design is the foundation. The network site design begins with an in-depth assessment. Network engineers examine the entire organization’s infrastructure and provide innovative, cost effective solutions to challenging business demands.
Building blueprints and construction companies need to be consulted to ensure wireless routers and access points are optimally placed. Since your wireless network will rely heavily on structured cabling, an evaluation of network cabling performance ensures the network is optimized and running efficiently, prior to the actual wireless rollout.
Procurement
A site design and assessment are imperative, as they provide insight to the necessary equipment and services required for a wireless rollout. To avoid procuring any unnecessary equipment, existing equipment that is underutilized should be considered first. Repurposing underutilized equipment offers considerable cost savings and can potentially reduce the amount of equipment to procure.
Any new equipment required must be managed effectively to ensure timely delivery and proper configuration. The best wireless network services providers will manage all aspects of procurement – inventory, warehousing, shipping and receiving, returns, etc. – to avoid logistical hiccups that could adversely impact a wireless network installation.
Project Management
Project management for a technology rollout is critical. This is where each phase and aspect of the wireless network installation at each site in the rollout is orchestrated. And the best rollout providers will have their personnel certified by industry organizations such as PMI (Project Management Institute). Timely communication and task management are essential to keeping the wireless rollout project on time and on budget.
System Installation
Installing the necessary technology, including the structured cabling and other network infrastructure, for a wireless rollout is another essential part of the project. You want a system built to last, that provides scalable growth. A proper wireless network installation will minimize the disruption of daily operations and reduce the total cost of ownership by attempting to avoid future maintenance issues.
The ultimate success of a technology rollout relies on a relationship built with a competent wireless network services provider. Preferably, this is one who can deliver expert planning via a thorough site evaluation and assessment, timely procurement and logistical coordination of equipment and network cabling, reliable on-site installation, and on-going support. And one who can scale seamlessly – whether managing to a handful of sites or a thousand.
Does your organization have experience with a wireless rollout? If so, share your tips and experiences in the comments.
How to Effectively Manage a Wireless Rollout was posted at Optimize IT. | http://www.datatrend.com/optimize-it