Why You Need a Technology Guide for Your Office Build Out

March 15, 2022

Moving is one of life's stressful endeavors, but with an experienced technology partner in your corner, you can hit the ground running in your new high-tech office space. At FIT Technologies we have helped dozens of our clients relocate or build brand new offices from the ground up, keeping tabs on how to seamlessly integrate the most useful technology so they can hit the ground running on their first day in their new space.

What tech should I consider when building out or re-locating?

There is a considerable amount of time and planning that goes into a new office space – carpeting, furniture, light fixtures, cubicles – and it can be easy to overlook the "behind the scenes" role that technology will play in the efficiency of the space. In today's modern world, internet connectivity is the backbone of many businesses. Some locations simply do not have high-quality internet options. If it's not readily available, a proper internet connection could take three to six months to build out. One of the biggest and often most confusing aspects of tech in a new office is the floor plan. Dozens of variables go into creating the best, most effective layout, and each office is unique. Some questions that the experts at FIT can answer:

How many printers are needed and where should they be located?
Where is the network closet going to be? Are multiple closets needed?
When it comes to data cables, how can we solve distance limitations?
What kind of electrical power requirements does the equipment have?
Are backup generators or battery systems needed?

Organizations should also consider what type of office environment they want to have. Are employees using desktop machines that won't move and can be hardwired to the internet, or will they be moving around a lot with laptops and other mobile devices? Or will you have both types of users? This will greatly impact the design and layout of your new space. Legacy systems, such as security cameras or phones, may need to be upgraded to internet-connected models that weren't in place at your former office space.

When's the best time to implement tech in my new office?

In a basic sense, there are three time frames to install technology: before the move, during the move, and after the move. Depending on the type of technology, the best time to implement will vary. Most tech is going to be installed during the move: cameras, door access controls, and other essential items that are hard-mounted and won't be moved. One of the most vital systems that falls into the "before" bucket is phone systems. Many modern VoIP setups eschew desk phones and simply use computers or cell phones. Getting employees acclimated to a brand new phone system before moving into a new space is a great way to help ease tension during a stressful transition. If employees are already familiar with their phone system, it will be one less new thing they will have to worry about during a move. After the move, digital display boards are a common feature that is often installed later on. Organizations can get used to a new space, and after actually using it for a few weeks or months gain a better feel for where centralized displays would be most useful.

How does an expert like FIT help?

To put it simply, FIT will plan, organize, and execute anything and everything technology-related with your new office space. FIT works directly with your architect and/or general contractor to ensure that all necessary technology installations are happening at the correct times and in the correct places. For example, cabling needs to be laid out before walls are built. Utilizing wireless heat maps and other tools, we determine the best way to leverage technology to help your organization achieve its goals. There's no need for you to need to translate your needs and wants for the understanding of the builders, and you can focus on running your business. Planning a big move? Let FIT guide you through the process. Contact us today.

Contributor

Michelle Tomallo

Michelle is a co-founder of FIT and has served in many roles during the company’s history—from client services, to account management, to operations. She currently focuses on human resources as Chief People Officer, and is a driving force of the culture at FIT.